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Whole Grain Country Bread

in Diana's Recipe Book

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(total ratings: 5)
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Servings: Makes 1 large loaf
 
Ingredients:
The Whole Grain Country Bread Poolish
"THE STARTER FOR THE BREAD"

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of yeast
1 cup of bread flour
1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of light honey

* Mix all the ingredients together and let ferment overnight, until the mixture is bubbly and increases in volume.

Note: This bread recipe derives much of its flavor and character from the use of a fermented starter, the poolish. It is one of the keys to classic bread making.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BREAD:
8 cups of bread flour
3 cups of whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons of salt
3 1/2 cups of water
2 teaspoons of yeast
1 cup of 12 grain mix
1/2 cup of sunflower seeds

Instructions:
On a large, clean, dry surface make a pile of the flours and salt. Mix them together briefly, then form a large well in the center of them.
* Pour the water into the ‘well" and sprinkle the yeast over the surface. Add the Poolish and begin gradually combining the flours and liquids together until the whole mixture is cohesive. Begin kneading the mixture.
* Continue kneading the bread for a few minutes then add the mother from a previous batch of bread (if you have one), the 12 grain mix and the sunflower seeds. Continue kneading until all of the grains and ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, if necessary sprinkle a bit of water over the dough to make it easier. Knead until the dough feels strong, smooth and elastic, about 15 minutes.
* Let the dough rest, covered, in a warm dry place until it doubles in volume. Knock it down with your fist and cut it into one pound pieces. Reserve about 8 to 12 ounces of the dough for your next bread batch, the mother*.
* Roll up the dough pieces into tight balls. Let them rest in a warm dry place until they have doubled in volume.
* Gently transfer the dough to a preheated 400 degree oven and bake until the bread is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it on the bottom. This will take 30 to 40 minutes.

*Note: Note: The mother allows your bread to become more flavorful. If you make bread frequently allow the mother to ferment in the refrigerator. It may also be frozen and thawed several days before use. Over time the cycle of use will add a great deal of character to your bread.

Note: If you can"t find 12 grain mix any mix of whole grains will work.


Makes 1 large loaf.

Source: Bread Cookbook
Date: October 7, 2002

Reviews

Reviewer: mike
Rating: 
Review:
11 cups of flour and 3 cups of water? this wont even mix together. probably just a typo, but still.

 
Reviewer: PEARL
Rating: 
Review:
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MOTHER AND THE BREAD POOLISH?

 
Reviewer: Mystyk
Rating: 
Review:
Don't know what the first poster was talking about. I let the dough rest for 12 minutes after adding about 80% of the flour(all of the whole wheat and 6 cups of the white) and then only had to add just under another cup to make the dough perfect. If I had not let it rest and the flour soaked up the water properly then it would have taken the whole 8 cups. Awesome taste, and I'm on my second mother batch now and I must say it does taste better every time. In these health conscious days whole grain is the only way to go and my family just LOVES this bread. Damn good recipe!! Though it doesn't make 1 loaf....it makes 3 or 4 depending on the loaf size. And to answer Pearl, there is a big difference. The poolish ferments and creates flavour, layers that way and really promotes yeast production while the mother gives a mature taste layer that is almost sourdough style. I cant wait to taste this bread 10 or 12 generations down the line. In just a couple it already tastes awesome....so I know it can only get better. Good job!

 
Reviewer: Khico
Rating: 
Review:
I haven't tried this yet because I can't find 12 grain mix. Is it the same as 12 grain flour?

 
Reviewer: Mystyk
Rating: 
Review:
P.S. I did actually change one thing with the recipe. I added a couple tablespoons of wheat gluten. I was worried about a good rise with all the grains and whole wheat flour and I tend to like my loafs light and airy. and they were definitely that. Again....very impressed with this recipe! Thanx.

 

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