Marvelous Whole Wheat Bread

Author: chefs-mate Courses: Baked Goods

Difficulty: Advanced

Description

This Marvelous Whole Wheat Bread is a celebration of wholesome grains, featuring a blend of whole wheat flour, rolled oats, wheat flakes, rye flakes, and seven-grain cereal. The result is a loaf with a rich, nutty aroma and a moist, satisfying texture that holds up beautifully to butter or jam. Sweetened naturally with honey and subtly spiced with ginger, this bread offers a complex flavor profile that is far superior to store-bought alternatives. It requires patience and four risings, but the effort yields a superior artisanal loaf perfect for Sunday breakfasts, hearty sandwiches, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of tea. The use of non-instant powdered milk adds a creamy richness, while the warm fermentation process develops deep, savory notes. Ideal for families who appreciate homemade comfort food, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-quality masterpiece.

Directions

Preheat oven to the lowest setting (around 150-170°F/65-75°C) with the light on to create a warm proofing environment. Place a 13x9 inch pan with some flour in the oven to warm.
In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup warm water (approx. 105°F/40°C), 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 package active dry yeast. Stir until honey is dissolved and yeast is activated. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Meanwhile, in a separate large mixing bowl, mix 2.5 cups warm water, the remaining honey, non-instant powdered milk, and ground ginger. Whisk until smooth and lumps are minimized.
Add the rolled oats, wheat flakes, rye flakes, and seven-grain cereal to the milk mixture. Whisk lightly to moisten the grains.
Pour the activated yeast mixture into the grain-milk bowl. Whisk in the whole wheat flour gradually until the mixture resembles a thick mud or batter. This forms the "sponge."
Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and place it in the warm oven (light on) to rise for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
While the sponge rises, warm 1/4 cup of oil in a small cup.
Remove the risen sponge from the oven. Sprinkle with salt if desired. Pour most of the warm oil into the bowl, reserving a bit for your hands.
Using a rubber scraper, fold the sponge down against the sides of the bowl to deflate it. Add more flour if needed to make it manageable, folding it in.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to your hands or the counter. Use the reserved oil on your hands if the dough becomes too sticky.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and return to the warm oven to rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled.
Punch down the dough firmly to release air bubbles. Cover and let rise again for 25-30 minutes, or until doubled.
Punch down the dough again. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces.
Shape each piece into a loaf by folding the edges toward the center and rolling tightly. Place the loaves into two buttered 9x5 inch loaf pans.
Cover the pans with a damp towel and let rise in the warm oven for 15-20 minutes, until the dough crests the rim of the pans.
Remove the pans from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Let the oven preheat for 5 minutes.
Bake the loaves for 50 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove the loaves from the oven and immediately turn them out of the pans onto a wire rack. Let cool completely for at least 1-2 hours before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Note

Water temperature is critical: it should be warm to the touch (like baby's milk), roughly 105-110°F (40-43°C). Water that is too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will not activate it properly.

The "sponge" method and multiple risings develop a deeper flavor and better texture than quick-rise methods. Do not rush the rising times if possible.

If you are short on time, you can omit one of the intermediate risings, though the flavor may be slightly less complex.

Clean the loaf pans immediately after use with a paper towel. Avoid using soap and water on the inside of the pans if possible, as it can strip the natural patina; a simple wipe is usually sufficient.

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Cutting into hot bread can cause the interior to become gummy.

Marvelous Whole Wheat Bread