Mennonite Girls Can Cook is a collection of recipes which were posted daily for a period of ten years from 2008 to 2018. We have over 3,000 delicious recipes that we invite you to try. The recipes can be accessed in our recipe file by category or you can use the search engine.

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Whole Wheat Bread


This is a moist, dark brown bread, great for breakfast or a healthy choice sandwich. It is always best to make sure the flour and grains you use are fresh. I prefer to store the ones I do not often use, in the freezer. As in most bread recipes, the type of flour you use is quite flexible. I would suggest to stay with at least 4 or 5 cups of whole wheat and then add other types of flour and cereal, if desired, until the dough is kneaded to a nice smooth texture. For example, if I do not have rye flour on hand, I simply replace it with whole wheat or multi grain.
Mixing a larger amount such as this, is easier if you can use a large Kitchen Aid or Bosch Machine.

Ingredients:
  • 3 cups hot tap water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 4 cups whole wheat flour, divided
  • 2 tablespoons instant yeast
  • 2 cups multi grain (or 7 grain) flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup bran
  • 1 cup rye flour
  • 3/4 cup wheat germ
  • 1/2 cup ground flax seed

Method:
  1. Mix ingredients in order given, using about 1/2 the whole wheat flour amount before adding the yeast and the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Switch to kneading hook attachment on machine, when necessary, and add the rest of the whole wheat flour at the end, kneading until you have a smooth dough. You may need a little less or more. Transfer to a larger bowl to rise.
  3. Cover with a clean tea towel and plastic. Let rise 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Punch down gently, divide and shape into 4 small loaves (or 3 medium). Shape with greased hands to smooth the top.
  5. Place into greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise 45 - 60 minutes.
  6. Bake at 350° F, about 35 - 40 min.
  7. Remove from pans and allow to cool on rack.
  8. Slice and freeze any loaves you do not plan to eat by the next day.

15 comments:

  1. Looks great.

    I have a question: I have a Bosch machine at home, which is supposed to do the first kneading for you, with the way the machine mixes the ingredients. Do you know whether the first rising could be ignored for this recipe using the Bosch?

    Thanks!

    Ruth

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  2. Hi, there. Looks great! I do various multi-grain, healthy breads as well. Just wondering...why would you say "slice and freeze"? Would you slice it just for convenience's sake or is there another reason? ...because I never do. Thanks... I check into your blog regularly seeing I'm also a Mennonite Girl Who Loves to ....well, baking is more fun than cooking! (from Manitoba)

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  3. Awesome! I have been wanting to get a couple of really soft and yummy bread recipes for my family. We love using Kamut Wheat when we bake since it is so healthy so I cannot wait to try it in your recipe :) Thanks a bunch!

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  4. That's exactly the same one that I have and you know where you can find it...Sh! This was my mom's favorite.
    I love it...it's easy and flexible.
    I do the slice and freeze thing all the time.

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  5. To answer Ruthi's question... when you finish kneading the dough, even if you use a machine, you still have to let it rise before shaping it and puting it in the pans. I transfer the dough to a larger bowl so it has more room to rise and make sure to cover it with a tea towel ... and plastic helps too.
    There was another question about slicing it. This is just for conveneience. Makes it easy to just take out what you need to pack a sandwich etc.
    Thank you for your comments.

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  6. i have pizza dough rising on the counter right now...for tonight

    my first time here...i see you on alot of sidebars..happy to stop by today...

    kary

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  7. This looks like something I'll be making this weekend! Thank you!

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  8. love your blog...all your recipes are really good!

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  9. I have been wanting good, tried and true whole wheat recipes and haven't found any. A few weeks ago someone told me about your blog, and now there have been a few posted. Thank you!!! I love your blog. I hate cooking but that's part of been a grown-up with a family-you do things you don't like. :)

    Thanks again.
    Maxine

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  10. Hmmm...maybe I will use this to christen my Braun Mixer!

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  11. Want to give this a try, but your printer friendly button doesn't work properly, the recipe doesn't come up :(

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  12. I have great admiration for those who bake their own bread - looks beautiful

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  13. I have been looking for a good whole wheat recipe! This looks just perfect! I will be trying it out on Sunday to bring it to a party on Monday! Thanks!

    I just found your blog today...

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  14. Amazing recipe, thanks for sharing!!

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