'CRACKED WHEAT' BREAD

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'Cracked Wheat' Bread image

When I began my career as a cook, I made hearty loaves like these every week. Now that we have so many bakeries producing good breads, I don't really need to bake as often, but I've never gotten bread quite like this grainy loaf in a bakery. Make it on a weekend when you're at home for a while. There's only about 15 minutes of active work, but the bread requires several rises. Although I call it cracked wheat bread, I use bulgur, which makes a lighter, moister bread than cracked wheat.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     project, appetizer

Time 5h

Yield Two loaves

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 cups lukewarm water
2 tablespoons mild honey
1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
1 cup medium or coarse bulgur
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup canola oil
1 scant tablespoon salt
2 cups whole wheat flour, plus additional as necessary for kneading
1 egg, beaten with 2 tablespoons water for egg wash

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the yeast and water, and stir until dissolved. Stir in the honey and molasses. Whisk in the bulgur, then whisk in the flours a cup at a time. Stir or whisk this mixture a hundred times for about two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, cover the bowl tightly with plastic, and leave to rise in a warm spot for one hour until bubbly.
  • Add the oil to the sponge and fold in, using a large spoon or spatula. Add the salt and fold in. Fold in 1 cup of whole wheat flour. Place some of the second cup of flour on your work surface, and scrape the dough onto it. Use a paddle to help fold the dough over to knead until it has absorbed the flour on the work surface. Flour your hands and your work surface, and knead the dough for 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary, until the dough is elastic and springs back when you press it with your finger. It will be dense and slightly tacky. Shape the dough into a ball. Rinse and dry your bowl, and coat with oil. Place the dough in it, then flip it over so that it is coated with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and set in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
  • Punch down the dough again, cover the bowl and allow to rise for another hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Divide the dough in two and shape into loaves. Oil two 9 x 5-inch bread pans, and place the loaves in the pans, seam side up first, then seam side down. Cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise for 30 minutes or until the middle of the loaves rises above the edges of the pans.
  • Gently brush the loaves with egg wash and, using a sharp knife, cut two or three 1/2-inch deep slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, brushing again halfway through with egg wash. The bread is done when it is golden brown and responds to tapping with a hollow sound. Remove from the pans, and cool on a rack.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 272, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 50 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 310 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tania Amukelani
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I've been making this bread for years and it's always a hit with my family and friends. It's the perfect bread for sandwiches, toast, or just eating plain. I highly recommend it!


The Real Bagface
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This is a great recipe for anyone who is looking for a healthy and delicious bread. The cracked wheat gives it a nice texture and the honey adds a touch of sweetness. I'll definitely be making this bread again.


Xgcufig Yfydufg
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I'm not usually a fan of cracked wheat bread, but this recipe changed my mind. The bread is light and fluffy, with a slightly nutty flavor. I'll definitely be making this again.


Jane Van Tonder
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This bread is a great way to change up your usual bread routine. It's hearty and filling, and the nutty flavor is a nice touch. I'd definitely recommend giving it a try.


Nazbin King
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I'm always looking for new bread recipes to try and this one didn't disappoint. The cracked wheat gives the bread a nice nutty flavor and chewy texture. I'll definitely be making this bread again.


Md nehan Khan
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This is a great basic bread recipe. It's easy to follow and the bread always turns out delicious. I've used it to make everything from sandwiches to toast to croutons.


Makeing Millions GTA
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I've made this bread several times now and it's always a success. It's a great recipe to have in your back pocket for when you need a quick and easy loaf of bread.


tonmay Barai
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This bread freezes well, so I often make a double batch and freeze half of it for later. It's always nice to have a loaf of fresh bread on hand.


Blaze Warrior
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I love the versatility of this bread. I've used it to make sandwiches, toast, croutons, and bread crumbs. It's always delicious.


Raja Shery
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This bread is perfect for sandwiches and toast. It's also great for making croutons or bread crumbs.


Abbas Ahmadu
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I've been experimenting with different ways to make this bread and I've found that adding a little bit of honey to the dough gives it a delicious sweetness. I also like to sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking.


one of radioheads
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This is my new favorite bread recipe! It's so easy to make and it always turns out perfect. I love the nutty flavor and the chewy texture.


Lizeth baldivia
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I made this bread for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the flavor and texture. I'll definitely be making it again.


Brock Prescott
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This bread is a great way to use up leftover cooked wheat. It's also a good way to get more fiber and protein into your diet. I like to toast it and spread it with butter and jam.


The Lone Wolf
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I wasn't sure how I would like this bread, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's got a great flavor and texture. I'll definitely be making it again.


Nathan Gonzalez
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This bread is dense and heavy, but in a good way. It's very filling and satisfying. I love the nutty flavor and the chewy texture.


Javain Thomas
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I've been making this bread for years and it's always a hit with my family and friends. It's the perfect bread for sandwiches, toast, or just eating plain. I highly recommend it!


Aqeel Nawab
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This bread is so easy to make! I love that I can just throw all the ingredients in my bread machine and let it do the work. The bread always comes out perfect.


JOYCE KATENGA
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I made this bread for the first time last week and it turned out great! The crust was crispy and the inside was soft and fluffy. I especially liked the nutty flavor of the cracked wheat.


Dylan plays
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This cracked wheat bread is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional white bread. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that I really enjoy. I also appreciate that it's a good source of fiber and protein.