Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Healthy Honey Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 1 loaf

Introduction

Honey whole wheat bread is a delicious and nutritious bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. Made with whole wheat flour, honey, and a touch of vegetable oil, this bread is hearty and flavorful.

History

Whole wheat bread has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. The addition of honey adds a touch of sweetness and richness to the bread, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a slightly sweeter bread.

Ingredients

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 envelope Fleischmann's® Quick-Rise instant yeast
0.75 cup low-fat (2%) milk
0.25 cup water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp liquid honey
1 lightly beaten egg

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine 2.5 cups of flour, salt, and undissolved yeast.
In a small saucepan, heat milk, water, vegetable oil, and honey until very warm (125°F (52°C)).
Stir the warm liquids into the dry ingredients. Stir in the eggs and blend well.
Mix in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough that begins to come away from the sides of the bowl and can be handled.
The texture may be crumbly. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5 to 8 minutes. Cover and let it rest on the floured surface for 10 minutes.
Roll the dough (or stretch and pat it) into a 12- x 8-inch rectangle.
Roll up the dough from the short side, as if making a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
Place the rolled dough, seam side down, in a greased 9- x 5-inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Bake the dough in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 40 minutes or until it is done. Remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Add nuts or seeds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure a good rise.

- Brush the top of the bread with melted butter or honey for a shiny finish.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy honey whole wheat bread toasted with butter and jam for breakfast, or use it to make a delicious sandwich with your favorite fillings.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic is key to a light and airy bread.

- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place ensures a good rise.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour if desired.

- Olive oil can be used in place of vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the bread and serve it on a wooden cutting board with a drizzle of honey for a rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Honey whole wheat bread pairs well with soups, salads, and cheese platters.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of honey whole wheat bread contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of honey whole wheat bread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of honey whole wheat bread contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of honey whole wheat bread contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Honey whole wheat bread is a good source of iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and eggs.

Summary

Honey whole wheat bread is a nutritious and delicious bread that is high in carbohydrates and protein, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Honey whole wheat bread is a delicious and nutritious bread that is perfect for any time of day. With a touch of sweetness from honey and a hearty texture from whole wheat flour, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Honey Whole Wheat Bread. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the hills of Tennessee. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook and baker, had passed down many of her recipes to my mother, who in turn passed them down to me. But this particular recipe was one that I stumbled upon quite by accident.

It was a hot summer day, and I was wandering through the local farmer's market with my best friend, Sarah. We were browsing the stalls filled with fresh produce, homemade jams, and baked goods when I spotted an elderly woman selling loaves of bread. The sweet smell of honey and whole wheat wafted through the air, drawing me closer to her stand.

I struck up a conversation with the woman, whose name was Mrs. Jenkins, and she told me that she had been baking bread for over fifty years. She explained that this recipe for Honey Whole Wheat Bread was a family heirloom, passed down through the generations. As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with pride and love for her craft.

I knew I had to learn how to make this bread for myself. Mrs. Jenkins kindly offered to teach me her recipe, and I eagerly accepted. We arranged a time for me to come to her house the following week to learn the secrets of her delicious bread.

When the day arrived, I rode my bike to Mrs. Jenkins' quaint little cottage on the outskirts of town. The smell of fresh bread greeted me as soon as I walked through the door, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation. Mrs. Jenkins welcomed me warmly and led me to her cozy kitchen, where she had all the ingredients laid out and ready to go.

We began by mixing the whole wheat flour, yeast, and warm water in a large bowl. Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic, a skill that took some practice to master. She then added the honey, a generous dollop that added a touch of sweetness to the bread.

As we worked together, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories of her own childhood, of baking bread with her mother and grandmothers in the kitchen of their farmhouse. She spoke of the importance of tradition and family recipes, of passing down knowledge and love through food.

After the dough had risen and been shaped into loaves, we placed them in the oven to bake. The scent of honey and wheat filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of tasting the finished product. When the loaves emerged from the oven golden brown and steaming, Mrs. Jenkins smiled and handed me a slice to try.

The bread was warm and soft, with a hint of sweetness from the honey and a nutty flavor from the whole wheat. It was unlike any bread I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection.

Mrs. Jenkins and I spent the rest of the afternoon baking more loaves of Honey Whole Wheat Bread, chatting and laughing as we worked. By the time I left her house that day, my heart was full of gratitude for the gift of her knowledge and the bond we had formed over a simple loaf of bread.

Since that day, I have made Mrs. Jenkins' Honey Whole Wheat Bread countless times, sharing it with my own family and friends. Each time I bake a batch, I think of her and the lessons she taught me about the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, this recipe for Honey Whole Wheat Bread has become a cherished part of my own family's traditions, a link to the past and a promise for the future. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for sharing her recipe with me, and for showing me the true joy of baking bread with love and care.