Sure thing! Here are the necessary ingredients to bake a delicious 100% whole wheat bread:
**Ingredients:**
- 3 cups (360g) whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup (3 tbsp) honey
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 (1/4-oz) packages of active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp + (½-1 1/2 tbsp) hot tap water**, divided (120 °F-130°F)**
>**Hot water Tip:**
>The ideal temperature for activating the yeast is 120-130 °F. If the water is cooler, the yeast won't activate properly, affecting the bread's rising. Conversely, hotter water will kill the yeast, preventing it from activating at all. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure accurate temperature measurement if necessary.
>**Important Note:**
>Adjust ingredient quantities proportionally if altering the recipe yield, ensuring all components maintain their balance for optimal bread.
Steps
## How to Make a Wholesome 100% Whole Wheat Bread at Home ##
### Introduction: Indulge in Wholesome Goodness ###
Start off your morning with the enticing aroma of freshly-baked 100% whole wheat bread. Packed with nutritional value and delightful flavors, homemade whole wheat bread can be an irresistible indulgence that caters to a healthier lifestyle. Follow our detailed steps below to bake goodness into your day:
**1. Preparation Phase - Gather the Goodness Inside**:
- Mix 1 ¾ tsp. salt & whole wheat flour in a large mixing bowl to combine evenly.
- Create a well at the center to receive your bubbly yeast water: Carefully add & blend it while gradually mixing wet with dry ingredients –– create something akin to rough pizza dough! Use warm tap water if dough feels dry.
**4. Kneading Time - Bonding with Dough Magic**:
- On a lightly floured surface, transfer yeast dough for good quality kneading: kneading for eight minutes helps create elasticity, allowing bread to retain shape. (A dough mixer makes life easier!) Don't worry about it becoming sticky!
- As dough begins to 'pull away' from itself and surfaces and feels softer in hand, you'll know you've found 'dough bliss.' A slight stickiness to touch is fine for whole wheat dough. Place an upside-down bowl atop the dough ball while prepping your bowl.
**5. First Rise - Time to Expand and Nourish**:
- Lightly grease the mixing bowl: Place dough to enjoy a well-deserved slumber – about 2 hours and at ideal room temperature is perfect to grow!
- Cover well using another larger bowl/towel/shower cap for a cozy experience: dough rise time equals double to triple it's original glory -- watch and marvel at baking magic. Remember – a warmer spot = even quicker rising
**6. Rise Halted in Action**:
- Once doubled or tripled, punch down on your dough – a way to say, "'Rise no further!"
- Shape your dough to preference to fit bread tin/ loaf pan/cast iron Dutch oven/bread molds.
**7. Rise Round II - Time to Perfect**:
- Allow another doughy hibernation with an hour this time – again doubling its current shape
- This time we cover in warm (slightly damp with water) kitchen towel for ultimate tender perfection: remember to cover loaf tin too when placed inside
- Prepping Oven – While Second Rise Transforms: Fire up your Oven at 400 ˚f
**8. Into the Fire – Oven Unveils Magic**:
- Prepare to bake: If using loaf pan/tin – no further preparations required
- Dutch Oven Method requires careful Dutch oven prep – parchment paper is your companion;
Preheat it alongside oven
**9. Bake – The Heart of Transformation**:
- Baking Time will vary:
* Dutch Oven Bake - Bake it covered for 30 mins initially then uncovered for another 7-12 mins - golden crust is our target! Oven temperatures often vary
* Loaf Pan/Bread Tin – 35 to 40 min, and the bread should resonate "hollowness" when the bottom is tapped - it denotes your perfect loaf.
**10. Final Rise - Rest to Shine**:
- Out of the oven, it requires another small rising – allow to sit and cool – preferably on wire rack so base retains the crunch
- Slice when warm for that fresh bread joy with a dollop of butter & sweet drizzle of honey
**The wholesome taste of 100% whole wheat bread awaits! Remember baking times may vary; oven temperaments matter.**
_Indulge, enjoy, and spread goodness far and wide._