Whole Wheat Bread

It can be done!!  It is possible to make a loaf of 100% whole wheat bread that has the same texture as store bought whole wheat bread!  Since buying my year supply of wheat, I've been experimenting with making whole wheat bread.  While I've found some good recipes, my bread always turned out more dense then we like it :o( Well I finally found the perfect whole wheat bread recipe.  I found this recipe on www.everydayfoodstorage.net where you can also find a how-to video. 

As you can see, this bread comes out looking and feeling like the bread you buy in the store.  It also tastes similar to store bought bread, which is great if your family isn't used to eating whole wheat (like mine) because the flavor isn't as strong.  No worries though, it is way more healthy then any brand of store bought bread, and I can be sure that it really is 100% whole wheat since I'm grinding the wheat myself. 

For anyone new to making whole wheat bread, this is a great one to start with! 

EZ Wheat Bread Recipe
1 1/4 cup warm water
1 Tblsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey or 1/3 cup brown sugar
2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (or whatever combination white/wheat you like...I used 100% hard white wheat.)
1/4 cup wheat gluten
1 tsp salt
2 Tblsp nonfat non instant dry milk
1 Tblsp vinegar
1/4 cup potato flakes

Mix ingredients in order listed in mixing bowl of mixer with dough hook attachment (like kitchen-aid) for 12-15 minutes. Let rise until double, 1-1 1/2 hours. Punch down and shape into loaf or rolls. Let rise again until double and bake 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when lightly tapped. 

To make the texture perfect, shape the loaf by rolling it out into a rectangle just as wide as your loaf pan. Then roll up tightly (like you would for cinnamon rolls) and pinch sides down.  Then place in a greased loaf pan.  To see a demonstration of this go to www.everydayfoodstorage.net.