Homemade Wheat Bread: A Wholesome Treat
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. It’s comforting, inviting, and promises a treat that’s both nourishing and delicious. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making homemade wheat bread – a delightful blend of wheat and all-purpose flour, enriched with the goodness of butter, milk, and optional eggs. Whether you’re a novice baker or someone looking to experiment with bread recipes, this wheat bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1kg wheat flour
- 1kg all-purpose flour
- 50g sugar
- 100g butter (Melted)
- 20g milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor
- 4 tablespoons yeast
- 2 eggs (optional)
- 2 teaspoon salt
- Warm water (as needed)
- ½ teaspoon preservative
- ½ teaspoon bread improver
Instructions:
- Proofing the Yeast: Begin by activating or “proofing” the yeast. Dissolving it in a little warm water will do the trick. If it starts to bubble or foam after a few minutes, it’s ready to use.
- Combining Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing container, combine the all-purpose flour with the wheat flour. To this, add sugar and salt, ensuring a thorough mix.
- Adding Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla flavor. If you opt to include eggs in your recipe, beat them and add them to your mix now.
- Forming the Dough: Slowly incorporate the proofed yeast into your mixture. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Letting it Rise: Once mixed, cover your dough and place it in a warm area. Allow it to rest and rise, which can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it has roughly doubled in size.
- Adding the Final Touches: After the dough has risen, sprinkle in the bread improver and knead the dough afresh. This process ensures a fine texture and good rise during baking.
- Shaping and Second Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough into a greased loaf pan. If you desire a golden-brown crust, brush the top of your bread with a beaten egg (egg wash). Allow it to rise for an additional period – typically another 30 minutes to an hour.
- Baking: Preheat your oven and place the loaf pan inside. Bake until the bread turns a lovely golden color and sounds hollow when tapped. The baking time can vary based on individual oven specifications.
- Cooling and Serving: After baking, let the bread cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, it’s ready to be sliced and served.
This wheat bread is versatile – perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply to be enjoyed with a dab of butter. Not only does it offer the wholesome goodness of wheat, but the blend of ingredients ensures a soft, flavorful loaf that’s bound to impress. Happy baking!
