Good point about the fermentation of the yeast. Don't add the yeast until you are actually ready for it to "get making" (don't put it in and then delay the machine with a timer).
Here is the link I was trying to post earlier. Excellent, and helpful in addressing your great points about making bread in the machine (after all, if you take the trouble to plan ahead and prepare the bread, it is a bummer when it turns out hard and yucky). It really is worth it to make 100%whole wheat for the protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It tastes great with strawberry jelly!
Actually, you are right about the moisture, but not about the salt. salt can kill or retard the growth of the yeast.
JTSLANEY1 1/4/08 1:41 P
I know that if yeast touches any salt or moisture (warm, cool, etc.) it will activate too early.
JINYEAH 1/4/08 1:39 P
You can purchase whole wheat bread flour as opposed to whole wheat pastry flour. I used to by Red Mill, now I grind my own. You need to read the label to see that it specifies that it is for making yeast breads.
JTSLANEY1 1/4/08 1:12 P
The problem with adding hot water to whole wheat flour is that the yeast, once it comes into contact with the moistened flour will activate and creat a stiff, hard bread. Mixing whole wheat with bread flour is the best way. If you look at many whole wheat breads on the shelf, they contain other flours for better taste.
JINYEAH 1/4/08 1:09 P
I am not blown away by any of the bread machine breads, but the ones that I likes best (of the 100% whole wheat variety) always contained some honey. When you use whole wheat it takes some time for the wheat to absorb the moisture in the recipe (think about hot grain cereals like oatmeal). My suggestion would be to add the liquid (very) hot with the flour and let it soak until it cools down to room temperature, then add the rest of the ingredients and proceed. Soaking really does make a difference. Jenette.
This article would be a great help if you are interested in making 100% whole wheat bread. what she says jives with my experience:
I believe that if you mix half whole wheat flour and half bread flour with whatever you want, based off these recipes you can get a great tasting bread. Good luck with it!
SINOPA 1/3/08 5:35 A
thank you so much!! I plan on trying all of these recipes this weekend. I need to find something that tastes good, healthy, and costs less than buying it in the store.
JTSLANEY1 1/1/08 1:25 P
I have a few in 1.5pound loaves...
Honey Whole Wheat Bread (select whole wheat or basic/white cycle, use medium or light crust color, do not use delay bake)
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon water 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 cup honey 1 1/2 cups bread flour 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon plu 1 1/2 teaspoons shortening 1 tablespoon dry milk 1 teaspoon bread machine or quick active dry yeast
Toasted Almond Whole Wheat Bread (select Whole Wheat or Basic/White cycle, use medium or light crust color, do not use delay back cycles)
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water 3 tablespoons Honey 2 tablespooons margarine/butter softened 1 1/2 cups bread flour 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons bread machine or quick active dry yeast
Cinnamon Honey Wheat Bread (Select Whole Wheat or Basic/White Cycle, use medium or light crust color, do not use delay bake)
1 cup water 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons margarine/butter, softened 1 1/2 cups bread flour 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 2 tablespoons dry milk 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons Bread machine or quick active dry yeast
Citrus Whole Wheat Bread (select whole wheat or basic/white cycle, use medium or light crust color, do not use delay bake)
3/4 cup water 1/2 cup orange juice 2 tablespoons margarine/butter, softened 1 2/3 cups bread flour 1 2/3 cups whole wheat flour 3 tablespoons wheat germ 2 tablespoons dry milk 3 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/4 teaspoons grated lemon peel 3/4 teaspoon grated lime peel 2 teaspoons bread machine or quick active dry yeast
All of these are very good...hope you enjoy them. I referenced the cookbook "Betty Crocker's Best Bread Machine Cookbook" It is fairly cheap on Amazon.com.
KWE1966 1/1/08 10:23 A
I haven't tried the whole wheat recipe yet, but my machine came with a recipe for Honey Wheat Bread that's really good. For 1.5 lb loaf, 1 Egg (room temp.) and enough warm water to equal 1 cup, 2 T. oil (I use olive oil), 3 T. Honey, 1 1/2 t. salt, 1 c. whole wheat flour, 2 cups bread flour, and 1 1/2 t. bread machine yeast. This isn't whole wheat, but like I said, it's good.
SINOPA 12/30/07 4:49 A
I'm interested in some whole wheat bread machine recipes that have been tried and the person knows it's great.
MRSJAX 12/29/07 1:01 P
Anyone have a good one? I tried to just use whole wheat flour instead of regular, but I wasn't blow away by the taste. TIA!
