Friday, March 16, 2012

Mama's Homemade Wheat Bread and Scones

One of my favorite things to make is breads. I started making bread when I was in my early teens {probably 13 or 14}. And I made it by hand - no fancy machines to help with the kneading. I have to thank my mom for giving me such free reign in the kitchen. 

Whenever I wanted to make something, I don't remember really asking, I would just do it. I think the best way to learn things is to JUST DO IT.  I picked up a lot of things by watching my mom, and then I would just try it myself.

Today I'm going to share my mom's homemade wheat bread recipe. This is the the best wheat bread I've had. Sometimes wheat bread tends to be dry, but this is moist and delicious. I made this using flour ground in my wheat grinder that my parents gave me for Christmas {Thanks again}



First we'll get our yeast going. Take 1/2 c. warm water (think baby bottle warm) and mix it with  1 1/2 - 2 T. yeast and 1 t. sugar.



Stir it together.



Then let it sit about 5 minutes or until it looks like this.



Next mix together 2 c. warm water, 3/4 T. salt, 1/4 c. honey 1/4 c. oil, 2 c. whole wheat flour. Then add 1 more cup flour and yeast mixture and mix together. I always use my kitchenaid for breads now.



The next step is important - just let it sit there for 10 minutes.  This will allow the gluten to start working. I'm not sure about all the technical details, I just know it makes better bread if you do this. 

It will raise a little during this time.



Add up to 3 c. flour one cup at a time {You may only need 2 cups but do NOT add more than 3 cups. Too much flour leads to dry bread} Knead 10 minutes.



Let raise 30-40 minutes. It will start out looking like this...



and end up looking like this.



Punch down the dough.



Shape into loaves. I know lots of people roll out their dough and then roll it up to shape their loaves. I take the easy way and just shape it using my hands.  I don't really know how to explain it - I just learned from watching my mom. 

Another tip to keep the bread moist and not dry, is to spray the counter with cooking spray instead of using flour to keep it from sticking.



Let raise.



Bake at 375 for 35 minutes {I think my oven cooks hotter than my mom's, so I'm going to try 30 minutes next time}



Remove from pans immediately and let cool.

This recipe makes 2 1/2 medium sized loaves.  Something fun to do when making bread is to use some of the dough to make scones.  This recipe works perfect, you can make two loaves and have some dough left for scones. {Of course, if you're kids love them as much as mine, you'll only have enough dough left for one loaf}

To make the scones: After the dough has risen, pinch off pieces of the dough and flatten. Place them in hot oil. {You can make a mini scone to test your oil temperature.}



When one side browns, flip with tongs. Place cooked scones on a paper towel covered plate. Let cool so you don't burn your fingers or tongue. 

We always dip them in jam or honey butter. Or sometimes a little of both.



Here's the recipe:

Mama's Best Bread

1/2 c. warm water
1 1/2 - 2 T. yeast
1 t. sugar

Mix and let rise.

2 c. warm water
3/4 T. salt
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. oil
5-6 c. whole wheat flour

Mix water, salt, honey, oil and 2 c. of the flour. Then add yeast mixture and one more cup flour.
LET STAND 10 MINUTES.
Add up to 3 c. flour one cup at a time {You may only need 2 c.} Knead 10 minutes.
Let raise 30-40 minutes.
Shape into loaves and let raise.
Bake at 375 for 35 minutes.
Immediately remove from pans to let cool.

 Additions: add after 10 minutes resting just before final flour addition.

Seeds {use any or all of the following}:
1/4 c. ground flaxseed
1 T. whole flaxseed
4 T. sunflower seeds
2 T. poppyseeds
OR
Grains: 3/4 c. 10 grain cereal {or 6,7 9 grain cereal}


12 comments :

  1. Thanks for the detailed instructions (with pictures) for making bread. I love the idea of making homemade wheat bread but the few times we've tried, we have not had much success... I'm definitely going to have to try your version.

    I'd love for you to share this (and any other food adventures you may have had) at Food Adventure Friday:

    http://teachinggoodeaters.blogspot.com/2012/03/food-adventure-friday-green-monster.html

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    1. We finally tried it today- It really is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe!!!

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  2. Gorgeous looking load
    I specialize in baking challah (Jewish bread) and your bread really look wonderful

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  3. loooove homemade bread and this looks yummy! thanks for linking up.
    -marie

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  4. Rachel... your bread looks soooo YUMMY!!!!! Would you laugh if I said I have never eaten scones before....sad isn't it!

    Feel free to come and share this over at The DIY Dreamer :)
    http://thediydreamer.blogspot.ca/2012/03/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-7.html

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  5. That bread looks amazing!! I love homemade bread. Been a very long time since I've made any. I will have to try your recipe. Thanks for linking up at SweetTalkin' Sunday!

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  6. Yummy! I would love for you to link up at my Linky Party via: http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com/2012/03/show-me-what-you-got-linky-party-6.html



    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  7. Looks yummy. Thanks for sharing at our party this week.

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  8. Oh my goodness this looks amazing! I've never made bread before, but this recipe sounds fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing at Whimsy Wednesdays!

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  9. OHHHHHHH....I can just feal the weight packing on to my rear!!! THANKS for linking up to SLEEPY SUNDAY!!!

    Hopeto see you tomorrow!!

    ran

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  10. ooohhh... i love fresh homemade bread! yuuuumy! thanks for linking up to tip-toe thru tuesday last week!

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  11. Just looking at your dough is making me crave some homemade bread! This looks great! Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!

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