Whole Grain Bread. Almost.

Every once-in-a-while I tweet about smelling the fresh bread baking in my oven. 

I began trying various recipes in an attempt to feed my family something healthy that wouldn’t break our budget.  This is the recipe that I have thus far.  As you will notice it’s not completely whole grain/whole wheat.  There is a little bit of white flour still used.  But you can alter it based on the taste buds of your family.

Homemade Bread From The Trenches

• 3 Cups Regular Flour
• 3 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
• 1/2 Cup Whole Grain Mix
• 3 Tablespoons Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Active Dry Yeast
• 2 Tablespoons Shortening
• 1 Tablespoon Salt
• 2 1/4 Cups Warm Water (120-125 degrees)

In a mixing bowl, (I use a Kitchen Aid Mixer w/ the dough hook), add together the regular flour, sugar, dry yeast, shortening, and salt.  When the water is heated to temperature, pour into the bowl and begin to mix it all together. 

Stir frequently until it’s almost smooth.  Pour in the whole grain mix and stir together for just a little bit.  Now add the whole wheat flour, 1 cup at a time.  Let it mix together until the dough is semi smooth (as smooth as it can be with the whole grain mix) and somewhat springy to the touch.  Turn off the mixer. 

Place 1/2 a cup of water in the microwave for 45 seconds.  Meanwhile grease a bowl and place the dough into it, covering it with a tea towel.  When the water is done heating, leave it in the microwave and add the bowl with the dough.  Shut the door tight and let the dough rise for 60 minutes. 

When the hour is over, remove from the microwave and divide the dough in half.  Working with one half at at time, roll them into rectangles like in the picture above.  I use the Pampered Chef bakers mat and roller. 

Then starting at a short end, roll it up and pinch the end into the roll.  Tuck the ends and place it into a greased bread pan. (8 1/2 X 4 1/2)  Repeat with second half of dough.  Place both pans back into the microwave (microwave is off!) to rise for 30-40 minutes. 

Preheat your oven to 425.  After your timer has gone off put the pans in the oven, lay foil across the tops, and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slipping the loaves out of the bread pans.  Add some butter and enjoy!