Question
What is Hilary Erickson's ultimate guide to making whole wheat bread at home?
Answer
I've been making whole wheat bread for over seven years and I've found a recipe that works best for me. Here's my guide:
-
Start with 5 cups of steaming hot water in your mixer bowl. Then add 7 cups of whole wheat flour, 2/3 cup of vital wheat gluten, and 2.5 tablespoons of instant yeast. Mix for 1 minute and let it sponge for 10 minutes.
-
After sponging, add 2 tablespoons of salt, 2/3 cup of oil, 1 cup of sugar, and 2.5 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix for another minute.
-
Gradually add 5 more cups of flour (I use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose), mixing well between each addition. The total mixing time should be around 8-10 minutes.
-
Divide the dough into four loaves and press evenly into greased pans. Let them rise in a warm oven for about 30 minutes, then bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
-
Once they're done, remove from the oven, loosen the edges with a plastic knife, and let them cool on wire racks for about 3 hours.
Remember, a lot of bread making is experimenting, so don't be afraid to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Enjoy your homemade bread!
Would you like tips on how to store the bread or ideas for using it in meals?