Oatmeal Bran Bread

Oatmeal Bran Bread Recipe - Nutritious and Delicious

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 2 loaves

Introduction

Oatmeal Bran Bread is a hearty and nutritious bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This bread is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy choice for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.

History

Oatmeal Bran Bread has been a staple in many households for generations. This recipe has its roots in traditional bread-making techniques, where whole grains like oatmeal, bran, and wheat germ were commonly used to create hearty and filling loaves of bread.

Ingredients

1 cup of oatmeal
2 cups of water
0.25 cup of light or dark molasses
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
0.5 tsp of salt
1 packet of active dry yeast (equivalent to 1 tbsp)
0.5 cup of warm water (temperature between 110 – 115°F or 46°C)
1 cup of bran
0.25 cup of soy flour
0.5 cup of wheat germ
3 cups of whole wheat flour

How to prepare

Cook the oatmeal in 2 cups of water according to the package instructions.
Add the molasses, oil, and salt. Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.
Dissolve the yeast in warm water and add it to the oatmeal mixture.
Stir in the bran, soy flour, and wheat germ.
Gradually beat in the whole wheat flour until the dough becomes stiff.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place, inside a lightly oiled bowl, until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough and knead it again until it becomes smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
Shape each portion and place them into lightly oiled bread pans. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size.
Bake the loaves in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for approximately 40 minutes, or until they turn brown and produce a hollow sound when tapped on top.
Remove the loaves from the pans immediately and let them cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Add dried fruits, nuts, or seeds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for the molasses for a different sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten and create a light and airy bread.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size.

- Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of the water when activating the yeast to ensure it is within the recommended range.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of Oatmeal Bran Bread toasted with a spread of almond butter or topped with avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt. This bread also pairs well with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic to develop the gluten.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to double in size before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of molasses for a different flavor.

- Substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Shape the loaves and bake them in the morning for fresh bread.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the Oatmeal Bran Bread and serve it on a wooden cutting board with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Oatmeal Bran Bread with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast. This bread also pairs well with a bowl of soup or a hearty stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oatmeal Bran Bread contains approximately 200 calories. This bread is a filling and satisfying option for a nutritious meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

Oatmeal Bran Bread is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This bread contains a small amount of vegetable oil, which adds moisture and richness to the bread. Each serving contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Oatmeal Bran Bread is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 6 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This bread is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and soy flour, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any allergies before consuming this bread.

Summary

Oatmeal Bran Bread is a nutritious and delicious bread that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.

Summary

Oatmeal Bran Bread is a nutritious and delicious bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this bread is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet. Enjoy a slice toasted with your favorite spread or paired with a warm bowl of soup for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and tattered clippings, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper with the words "Oatmeal Bran Bread" scrawled across the top in neat cursive handwriting.

I felt a rush of excitement as I read through the list of ingredients and instructions. It was a recipe unlike any I had ever seen before, a unique combination of wholesome grains and hearty flavors that promised to create a delicious and nutritious loaf of bread. I knew right then and there that I had to give it a try.

I traced the origins of the recipe back to an old friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins, who had shared it with me many years ago during one of our weekly baking sessions. Mrs. Jenkins was a master baker, known far and wide for her delectable treats and her generous spirit. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations, adding her own twist to it along the way.

I remembered the day Mrs. Jenkins had taught me how to make the Oatmeal Bran Bread as if it were yesterday. We had spent hours in her cozy kitchen, kneading the dough, letting it rise, and finally baking it to golden perfection. The smell of freshly baked bread had filled the air, mingling with the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg that wafted from the oven.

Mrs. Jenkins had guided me through each step of the process, sharing tips and tricks that she had learned from years of experience. She had shown me how to mix the ingredients just right, how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic, and how to bake it until it was golden brown and crusty on the outside, soft and tender on the inside.

As I followed the recipe that day, memories of Mrs. Jenkins flooded back to me, her laughter ringing in my ears as we worked side by side in the kitchen. She had been like a second grandmother to me, always ready with a kind word or a warm hug, and I missed her dearly.

But as I pulled the freshly baked loaf of Oatmeal Bran Bread from the oven, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. The bread was perfect, just as I remembered it from all those years ago. The crust was crispy and golden, the crumb light and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness from the honey and molasses that I had added to the recipe.

I sliced off a thick piece of bread and slathered it with butter, savoring the earthy flavors of the oats and bran, the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. As I took my first bite, I felt a sense of connection to the past, to all the women who had come before me, sharing their recipes and their wisdom, passing down their love through the simple act of baking bread.

And so, the recipe for Oatmeal Bran Bread became a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the bonds that connect us across generations. Every time I bake a loaf, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and all the other women who have taught me the joy of cooking, the pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones, the comfort of a warm slice of homemade bread on a cold winter's day.

And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will find this recipe in their own recipe box, and that they will feel the same sense of connection and love that I do when they bake a loaf of Oatmeal Bran Bread. For in the simple act of sharing a recipe, we pass on a piece of ourselves, a taste of our history, a bond that ties us together through the generations.