Aunt Grace'S Whole Wheat Bread
A hearty whole wheat bread with a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a tender crumb, perfect for wholesome sandwiches or toast, suitable for bread lovers and home bakers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar, salt, and shortening; pour hot water over and stir until blended and dissolved.
- Cool the mixture.
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water (sprinkle a little sugar over to make yeast foam more quickly).
- Beat eggs that have been at room temperature for 30 or more minutes.
- Blend all above ingredients together and add flours, mixing well.
- Adjust flour as needed to make a fairly stiff dough.
- Knead lightly on a floured board for 4 or 5 minutes.
- Put into a greased container, turning dough once.
- Cover and put in a warm place free from draft.
- Allow to rise until doubled in bulk.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using honey instead of sugar. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Make sure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date and proofing it in warm water. To achieve a lighter texture, avoid over-kneading the dough; it should be soft and elastic.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Grace's Whole Wheat Bread is perfect as a side for soups or stews, especially with a hearty bowl of Microwave Chili Dip. You can also use it for sandwiches or toast. For a delightful breakfast, serve it with butter and homemade jam, or try it alongside Cabbage Skillet Dinner for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Grace'S Whole Wheat Bread contains roughly 402 calories, with 15g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2839mg per serving (123% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in water. This can save time and still yield great results.
What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to cold temperatures or inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water used for dissolving it is warm (not hot). You can also place the dough in a slightly warm oven to encourage rising.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Adjust the liquid if necessary, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).