Whole Wheat Molasses Bread

Let's talk about whole grains and the importance of adding whole grains to our daily diets. Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates, protein, and B vitamins and iron. They also contain fiber which is important in helping to feel satisfied when we eat.

This time of year, many people "resolve" to eat better in the coming year and the first thing they say is "No more bread, it's too fattening!" Well, this is true if you are eating the overprocessed, white bread fluff that is most supermarket bread! What we need to do is eat more whole grain breads made with the best quality ingredients we can afford to buy! If you pair your nutritious whole grain bread with a bowl of homemade soup or a nice salad made with garden fresh veggies you are doing your body a favor.

Making bread is incredibly easy, especially if you let your bread machine do the hard/tedious tasks of mixing and kneading the dough. While the bread machine is hard at work, you can be busy doing other stuff like feeding the chickens or milking the goat. ;-) One of the things that led me to baking bread and selling it at the Farmer's Market was my desire to feed Jerry and I better food and I realized that whole grain breads could and should be part of the plan.

This recipe makes a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf of bread or 12 rolls. I made these rolls to take to the Farmer's Market this week so, sadly, I won't be able to show you one cut open with butter on it! This is a 100% whole wheat bread without any white flour or white sugar. The egg adds lightness to the dough and the orange juice helps to cut the bitterness sometimes associated with 100% whole wheat bread.

Whole Wheat Molasses Bread               **Click here to print this recipe**

3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup orange juice
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup raw wheat germ
4 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons bread machine yeast OR 1 packet active dry yeast (If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk before combining with the remaining ingredients.)

Mix, knead and let your dough rise until doubled using your favorite method; bread machine, manual or stand mixer. This time, I divided the dough into 12 pieces and made rolls. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled.

Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack and let cool.

I'm linking up to The Country Homemaker Hop hosted by Heidi at My Simple Country Living. This is a new blog hop that is just starting this week! Stop by and check it out and join in the fun! :)