Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Do you dream of that perfect crust with a soft, chewy interior? Then look no further! This recipe for Great Harvest Honey Whole Wheat Bread will transport you to a cozy bakery, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe is surprisingly easy, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced bread enthusiasts looking for a delicious, healthy loaf. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 ½ - 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup honey, for brushing
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Gently stir and let stand for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Mixing the Dough:
- Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until just combined.
- Begin adding the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You may not need all 3 cups; add just enough flour so the dough is no longer sticking to your hands.
Kneading and First Rise:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Second Rise:
- Gently punch down the dough to release the air.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Baking and Cooling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining ½ cup of honey. This will give your bread a beautiful golden-brown crust and a delicious honey flavor.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is the correct temperature for optimal yeast activation. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
- Flour Amount: The amount of flour needed may vary slightly depending on the humidity and the type of flour you are using.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure and texture.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Get creative! Try adding nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips to your dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Spices: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced bread.
- Different Honey: Experiment with different types of honey for varying flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your loaf. However, a general estimate per slice is:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This homemade honey whole wheat bread is a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. Enjoy the rewarding experience of homemade cooking and the delightful taste of this easy recipe. It's a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home. This recipe easily makes its way onto the list of best recipes for its ease and delicious results.