Whole-wheat Bread Recipe

This recipe uses 100% whole-wheat flour.  Whole-wheat flour is more nutritious than white bread flour.  In white flour, much of the goodness and fiber has been stripped out during the milling process.  Whole-wheat bread is not only better for you but it also fills you up and takes longer to digest, meaning you're less likely to get hungry between meals and fill up with snacks. This recipe gives great results, without the finished loaf being too dense, which can be a problem for whole-wheat loaves.

If you can get hold of any, you could add a tablespoon of gluten, which can be purchased from health food stores or some grocery stores (usually near the flour and baking ingredients). 

Whole-wheat bread ingredients

* Ideally, use an instant read thermometer to check the water temperature accurately.  If you don't have one, it's best to play safe and use cooler water.  Having the water too cool will just slow down the yeast's action, but too hot will kill it.  Place a drop of the water on the inside of your wrist.  If it feels neutral or just slightly warm on your skin, it will not harm the yeast. 

Whole-wheat bread method (bread machine)

This recipe will work if you use the ingredients in the order suggested by your bread machine manufacturer, set to whole-wheat loaf and press start.  (You should use this method if you want to set a time delay). 

Alternatively, for an even better loaf try ignoring your machine's instructions and use the following method (unsuitable for timer use)

• Put the warm water, sugar and yeast into the bread machine pan
• Stir with a wooden or plastic spoon - the yeast shouldm dissolve and begin to froth and foam
• Leave it for ten minutes
• Add the flour, butter and finally the salt
• Set your bread machine to basic or white bread and press start