Whole Wheat Loaf Bread v.2

 Whole Wheat Loaf Bread

 

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Craving a fuss-free bake with a focus on simplicity? Look no further! My original whole-wheat sandwich loaf was a long-time favorite, but it had a flaw – its reliance on milk. Not only could a sudden domestic milk shortage derail your baking plans, but the cold-storage-then-warm-it-up situation was a bit of a hassle.

Enter this new recipe: a streamlined masterpiece born from the beauty of trial and error. Here, milk takes a break from the stage, making this recipe perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or simply caught without a carton. Plus, the ingredient list is delightfully concise, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.

This bread is your versatile canvas, ready to be transformed into endless culinary creations. Load it up with your favorite cheese, slather on homemade jam, or transform it into decadent French toast – anything you'd do with store-bought sliced bread is fair game here. Essentially, this becomes your daily bread: the foundation for a power breakfast, a satisfying lunch sandwich, or a delightful afternoon snack. So go forth, craft the perfect sandwich masterpiece, or maybe even indulge in a French toast extravaganza – this bread is a blank slate for your culinary creativity!

Speaking of creativity, I recently embarked on my own egg wash adventure. Having read about its ability to bestow a golden sheen and a smooth finish on baked goods, I decided to give it a whirl. Here's my handy tip for a two-loaf scenario: utilize the egg white from one loaf in the dough itself, then save the yolk for the wash. Simply whisk the yolk with a touch of water to thin it out, and gently brush it over the surface of your risen loaves before baking. It's a small step that adds a touch of sophistication to the finished product. The egg wash isn't just for aesthetics, though. It can also help create a slightly crispier crust, adding another layer of textural contrast to your delightful homemade bread.

So ditch the overcomplicated recipes and embrace the ease and versatility of this new loaf. With minimal ingredients and a touch of egg-wash magic, you can whip up a beautiful and delicious bread that's perfect for any occasion. From a quick breakfast slice to a starring role in a gourmet sandwich creation, this recipe is sure to become a trusty staple in your kitchen.

 

Equipment

• Measuring cup(s) and spoon(s)
• Medium bowl
• Large spoon
• Baking paper or parchment
  
• Loaf pan

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp warm water
• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp granulated salt
  
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp finely minced rosemary 
• Optionally, 1 egg (see egg wash instructions above)
  

Directions 

1. Dissolve yeast in water
2. Add other ingredients, mix
3. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer using the dough hook attachment
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes - 1 hour; do the longer end of the range if in a colder kitchen, but no more than 30 minutes if rising in a temperature-controlled ~100 F environment.
5. Shape in loaf pan
6. Cover loaf pan and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour
   
• Uncover once the dough starts to rise above the rim of the loaf pan, at approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing.