Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf

Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf Recipe - Healthy and Nutritious Bread

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf is a delicious and nutritious bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with fiber and vitamins from the carrots, this loaf is a great way to start your day.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional bread recipes, incorporating cracked wheat and shredded carrots for added texture and flavor. It is a healthy alternative to regular white bread and is perfect for those looking to add more nutrients to their diet.

Ingredients

0.5 cup boiling water
0.25 cup cracked wheat
1 package active dry yeast
0.25 cup warm water
0.33 cup warm skim milk
0.25 cup margarine
0.25 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup shredded carrot
1 egg
2.33 cup all-purpose flour
0.67 cup oat bran cereal

How to prepare

In a small bowl, pour boiling water over cracked wheat and let it stand for 15 minutes. Drain excess water and set it aside.
Dissolve yeast in warm water.
In a large bowl, combine milk, margarine, brown sugar, salt, carrot, and egg.
Add the dissolved yeast and cracked wheat. Note that the margarine may not melt completely.
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and oat bran cereal. Add this mixture to the yeast mixture.
Add enough remaining all-purpose flour to make a moderately stiff dough.
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball. Grease a large bowl and place the dough in it, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until it nearly doubles in size.
Grease a 9" by 5" loaf pan or coat it with vegetable pan-coating.
Punch the dough down and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in the prepared pan. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it nearly doubles in size.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Bake for 25-30 minutes, shielding the crust with aluminum foil after 20 minutes of baking.
Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Add nuts or seeds for added crunch and protein.
Substitute honey for brown sugar for a sweeter loaf.
Mix in raisins or dried fruit for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain excess water from the cracked wheat before adding it to the dough.

- Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to ensure a smooth and elastic texture.

- Let the dough rise in a warm place to help it double in size.

- Shield the crust with aluminum foil while baking to prevent it from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of this loaf with a spread of cream cheese or butter for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough is essential to develop the gluten and create a light and airy loaf.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for a quicker baking process in the morning.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the loaf and serve it on a wooden board for a rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this loaf with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, toast slices in a toaster or oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 28g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This loaf is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C from the shredded carrots.

Alergens

Contains wheat and eggs.

Summary

This Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf is a nutritious bread option that is high in fiber and vitamins. It is a great addition to a healthy diet.

Summary

Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf is a nutritious and delicious bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with fiber and vitamins, this loaf is a healthy alternative to regular white bread.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a sunny day in the early spring, and I had been invited over to my dear friend Mary's house for lunch. As soon as I walked in the door, the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread greeted me, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Mary greeted me with a warm hug and a smile, and led me to the kitchen where a golden loaf of bread was cooling on the countertop. "I hope you don't mind, but I tried out a new recipe today," she said, a twinkle in her eye. "It's a Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf, and I think you're going to love it."

I watched as Mary sliced into the loaf, revealing a soft and moist interior dotted with bits of orange carrot. The flavor was unlike anything I had ever tasted before - a perfect balance of sweetness from the carrots and nuttiness from the cracked wheat. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this bread for myself.

Mary was more than happy to share the recipe with me, and as I scribbled down the ingredients and instructions, she regaled me with stories of how she had come across the recipe herself. It turns out that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend who had spent time living in the Middle East. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf, and as soon as I got home, I set to work gathering the ingredients. The cracked wheat added a lovely texture to the bread, while the grated carrots lent a natural sweetness and moisture that made the loaf incredibly tender. I mixed and kneaded the dough with care, letting it rise slowly until it had doubled in size.

As the loaf baked in the oven, the scent of warm bread filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of that sunny day at Mary's house. When I finally pulled the golden loaf out of the oven, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of it - just like Mary's, with its soft crumb and specks of orange carrot peeking through.

I sliced into the loaf and took a bite, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue. The cracked wheat added a satisfying crunch, while the carrots added a subtle sweetness that lingered on my palate. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a beloved tradition that I would pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made the Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf countless times, each batch turning out just as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the unique combination of ingredients and flavors. And every time I bake a loaf, I am reminded of that sunny day at Mary's house, and the sense of excitement that filled me as I first discovered this wonderful recipe.

I am grateful to have learned the recipe for Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf, and even more grateful for the memories and traditions that it has brought into my life. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions - it is a way to connect with others, to create something beautiful and delicious that can be shared and enjoyed by all. And for that, I will always be thankful.