Baking whole grain bread involves the use of grains that have not been refined in any way. To soften the grains and produce lighter bread, some people like to soak the whole grain flour overnight in whatever measurement of water the recipe calls for. Some people also add one or two tablespoons of additional water to the dough after it has been kneaded the first time. A little bit of experimentation is okay when making breads, but straying too far can result in bread that does not rise. Don't get too wild when tweaking a bread recipe.
The best whole grain bread recipes include seven grain breads, rye bread (especially two-toned rye) and the delicious oatmeal bread recipe below.
Delicious Oatmeal Bread Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need:
2 packages active dry yeast
½ cup lukewarm water
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
½ cup light molasses
1/3 cup shortening
1 tablespoon salt
6 cups white flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 egg white, beaten
1 tablespoon water
Mix the yeast in the lukewarm water and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the boiling water, cup of rolled oats, molasses, shortening and salt. When the mixture has returned to room temperature, add two cups flour and beat. Add the yeast and the two beaten eggs and beat well.
Add enough flour to make a dough that can be handled. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about eight minutes. (The dough will be smooth and elastic). While whole grain breads are denser than white bread, the best whole grain breads are breads that have been sufficiently kneaded to allow the gluten to develop properly.
Shape the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl with a greased sheet of plastic wrap over the top. Seal the wrap around the bowl and set it in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size. This should take about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Punch the dough down again.
Dump the dough out onto the floured surface and divide it into two equal loaves. Let the dough rest while you grease two loaf pans with shortening. Sprinkle rolled oats in the pans and onto the sides. Place the loaves into the pans. Cover with the greased plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise. (This should take about one hour).
Mix the egg white and water and brush it across the tops of the bread. Sprinkle additional rolled oats on top of the bread and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes in an oven that has been preheated to 375 degrees.
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