Recipe: Robin Hood Flour 100% Whole Wheat Bread

Robin Hood Flour 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Makes 2 loaves. For 4 loaves, double all of your ingredients

If you've never baked from scratch, this beginner recipe is a terrific place to start. Its nutty whole wheat flavor and tender light texture will win you critical acclaim. It makes a wonderful sandwich bread and is simply delicious when served fresh right out of the oven with creamy butter. Caution: This may very well be the only kind of bread you'll ever bake.

1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup water, warm
1 envelope active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1 1/2 cups water, warm
1/3 cup molasses*
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp shortening
5 3/4 cups ROBIN HOOD Best For Bread Whole Wheat Flour

Dissolve 1 teaspoon (5 mL) sugar in 1/2 cup (125 mL) warm water in large bowl. Sprinkle in yeast. Let stand 10 minutes, then stir well.

Add 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) warm water, molasses, salt, shortening and 2 cups (500 mL) Robin Hood Best For Bread Whole Wheat Flour to dissolved yeast mixture. Beat with wooden spoon or electric mixer until smooth and elastic.

Stir in 2 3/4 cups (675 mL) of remaining flour gradually. If necessary, add more flour to make a soft dough which leaves sides of bowl. Turn out on floured board. Round up into ball.

Knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).

Place in lightly greased bowl. Turn dough to grease top. Cover with greased waxed paper and tea towel.

let rise in warm place (75-85F/24-29C) until doubled (45-60 minutes).

Punch down. Turn out onto lightly floured board and divide into 2 equal portions. Round up each portion. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

Shape each portion into a loaf. Place seam side down in 2 greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 3/4-inch (1.5 L) loaf pans. (OR MAKE ROLLS) Cover with a tea towel.

let rise in warm place until dough rises 1 1/2-inches (3 cm) above top of pan in center, and corners are filled (45-60 minutes).

Bake at 400F (200C) on lower oven rack for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350F (180C) and bake 20 to 30 minutes more. Remove from pans immediately. Brush top crust with butter if a soft crust is desired. Cool on wire racks.

*For a lighter flavor omit molasses; add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) sugar and use 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups (1125-1375 mL) flour.