I LOVE the smell of fresh baked bread! And after several attempts at different recipes, my husband has finally perfected it! (Yes, I said my HUSBAND).
I’ve tried to make the bread, but let’s just say it doesn’t go so well and leave it at that shall we?
The recipe we used is from the Urban Homemakers website, and so far has been the most consistent we’ve tried.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 C honey
- 2/3 C oil
- 6 C warm water
- 3 TB Saf Instant Yeast
- 1 1/2 – 2 TB Real Salt
- 12-16 C fresh whole wheat flour
- 3 TB Dough Enhancer
- 1/3-1/2 Cup Vital Gluten
Directions:
Step 1: Combine the warm water, yeast, and 2 Cups of fresh whole wheat flour in a large mixing bowl or Bosch Mixer. Allow to sponge for 15 minutes. Add the honey, oil, dough enhancer, salt and 12-16 C additional flour until the dough begins to clean the sides of the mixing bowl. (We typically use around 13 -14 Cups.) Do not allow the dough to get too stiff (too dry). Dough should be smooth and elastic. It is a common mistake for the beginning bakers to add too much flour. (Dough should be soft, but NOT sticky)
Step 2: Knead the bread for 7-10 minutes or until it is very smooth, elastic, and small bubbles or blisters appear beneath the surface of the dough (Use speed 1 on the Bosch). If you are kneading by hand, be sure to add the minimum amount of flour to keep the dough soft and pliable by using a tsp of oil on your hands and kneading surface.
Step 3: Form the dough into 5-6 loaves. Place the dough into greased loaf pans. Allow to rise in a slightly warmed oven or other warm place until doubled in size (about 30-60 minutes).
Step 4: Bake loaves for 25-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Bread is cooked through when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, and when the top and sides are a golden brown color.
Bread Making Links:
- NurtureWise (I buy all of my supplies from this website)
- Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine
- VitalMill Electric Grain Mill
- Whole Wheat Bread Dough Variations
- Artisan Bread In Five Minutes A Day
That is so awesome! I bake my own wheat bread every week and our recipes are almost identical! I got mine from my Mother in Law who is a huge whole wheat nut!
I need to send you the link to the pans that I have ~ they rock!! I'll send you my recipe too, just so you can compare and have fun {haha}.My husband paid me the best compliment today ~ he said after having my bread, he just can't eat store bought bread or any other anymore. He loves it that much.Which means I'll have to bake it forever….
I still need some serious help in the bread dept. I am having issues again and when i've tried this recipe in the past, they deflate on me. NOt sure what recipe to use anymore. 🙁
BECKIE: Our bread was deflating too, until we got the BOSCH, that really helped our rising and consistency, I think it's got to be in the kneading.Also, make sure it's not too sticky, if it's too wet it will collapse too.
I have the bosch too, but i am wondering if maybe it's too sticky. I try to not add too much flour because I don't want to dry it out, but then may end up with sticky dough. who knew bread baking was such a science. I will try this out tomorrow, thanks Erica.
Your recipe is the best!My stand mixer blew out and I can't live without the bread!Looking at a Bosch!Thanks for your great site!