I haven't bought bread from the store in over *8 months*(Updated- now it's been over 2 years!) now. I make this once a week and it lasts all week. I do French Toast the last day and use up any leftovers. It stays good just on my shelf in ziplock bags. It holds together nicely for sandwiches. We love it and can't go back to the store bought stuff now. It's super easy, so try it! I got this recipe from my Sister-In-Law Jenni. She's made it into rolls before too and they tasted yummy that way as well. Good luck and let me know how it goes :-)
Whole Wheat Honey
Bread
Put in Mixer:
3 C. warm water
2 T. yeast
1/3 C. Honey
5 C. flour (I use regular flour this time and whole wheat the next time just to be cheaper)
Mix. Let raise in mixer 30 minutes.
It's really important that you use warm water and mix with your yeast before putting into the mixer. This will make it so there's not lumps of yeast. Also, the water won't activate if it's cold and will kill it if it's too hot. Luke warm (room temp) water is best.
This is how it will look after this first group of ingredients. Leave it like this, and cover for 30 minutes to let it raise. It should raise up almost to the top of the bowl in that time.
The dough will puff up really pretty. See above picture.
Then just give it a quick pulse or two and start adding the following ingredients. I let it mix slowly as I add the flour little at a time.
Then add to your mixer and mix:
1/3 C. Honey
1T. Salt
3 T. Canola Oil
3 1/2 C. Whole Wheat Flour
Knead about 8-10 minutes ( I do it in the mixer, make sure you're using your dough hook and just let it knead the dough), Place dough in lightly oiled bowl.
Here it is after you've taken it out of the mixer and put into your oiled bowl.
Cover and let double in size.
Punch down, place in greased bread pans to raise. (about hour to hour and half)
This recipe makes 2 large loafs or 3 small loafs.
After Raising (about hour and half to two hours)
Bake 350 for 25-30 minutes.
Beautiful. Easy. Super Yummy.
Cool on cooling rack. Rub some butter on the tops right when they come out.
We're hooked!
the smell of fresh baked bread, that is. I've been making my homemade bread every week for over 17 months now and I'm not going back. I love not buying store bought bread and most of all I love the taste and smell of home made bread!! So, after 17 months, I finally caved in and bought some fun things for my bread.
2- Bread bags! Oh the simple things in life. I was having to cut the end off each loaf to fit in ziplock bags. Dumb. LOVE these bread bags. Makes it so simple.
Big thanks to my friend Karen for helping me realize I needed these necessities :-) You can buy them online at pleasant hills. And if you want a recap on the bread tutorial, click HERE. I LOVE this recipe and so has everyone who's made it. Now all I need is my wheat grinder. Maybe for mothers day? :-)
