Seven Grain Bread Recipe
Mouth watering goodness
I love to make all my breads from scratch instead of using a bread machine. I found it relaxes me to softly knead the bread till the dough is just slightly sticky but not over kneaded. There is something about making bread with love that lifts a spirit.
Why make a seven grain bread?
A few years ago I got on a health kick where I wanted to create my own seven grain, whole wheat, bread. I had grown tired of the typical whole grain breads that could be found at our local store. Most of them seemed bland for some reason. Devoid of texture, taste,...life. So I set out to find my own creation that I could recreate from childhood memories.
With the help of my cupboard of cookbooks, and a little experimenting, I created two blends that I use the most.
Here is a list of two blends I use. They can be used with any kind of quick bread or yeast bread recipes. (I have also inclued my favorite seven grain bread recipe.)
Blend One
In a large airtight container combined…
Six cups of oatmeal
Six cups of white flour
Six cups of wheat flour
Six cups of rye
Six cups of grits
Six cups of flax seed
Six cups of barley
Blend Two
In a large airtight container combined…
Six cups grits
Six cups flax seed
Six cups sunflower seeds
Six cups oatmeal
Six cups wheat flour
Six cups white flour
Six cups corn meal
How to make Seven Grain Bread
I posted below one of my favorite recipes I use to make my Seven Grain Bread.
I love the texture, color, and aroma it produces as I make and bake it. It reminds me of the times I had spent watching my grandmother as she lovingly mixed, kneeded, and molded each ball of dough. Most of the time, us granchildren, would hover over her like little birds picking at the dough and eating it, till we were scolded.
I have enjoyed passing this recipe on to the next generation of grandchildren.
Ingredients
- 1 package yeast, (or 2 1/4 teaspoons of powdered yeast)
- 3 cups lukewarm water
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 3 Tablespoons oil, (melted shortening or bacon grease works well)
- 2 cups seven grain mix
- 1 cup white flour, (you will also need an extra 3-4 cups of white flour)
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water.
- Add in the salt and sugar. Stir till those dissolve.
- Mix in the oil, seven grain mix, and 1 cup of white flour, till oil is thoroughtly mixed. Dough might be sticky.
- Knead in the extra 3-4 cups of white flour till the dough does not stick to the hands.
- Form into a large ball and place in a bowl to rise. Lightly rub oil on the top to keep the dough from drying out. Let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Poke with finger to check if dough is raised enough. If it leaes an indent, dough is ready for the bread pan. Form into rolls or loaf of bread.
- Let it sit to rise a second time, when it is doubled in size, bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. (Rolls may take 30 to 45 minutes.)
- Remove from pans and lightly brush with butter or margarine if desired.
