Irene'S Wheat Bread
Irene's Wheat Bread offers hearty, wholesome flavor with a slightly sweet undertone from molasses and Postum, perfect for those who love homemade, nutritious bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 8 cups warm water in a large bowl; stir in sugar until dissolved.
- Sprinkle yeast over the sugar water and set aside until bubbly.
- Stir in salt, Postum, molasses, and potato flakes.
- Add whole wheat flour; stir in well.
- Stir in vinegar and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Beat the batter with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to get 'glue-y' or 'globby'.
- Add the oil and stir until it disappears.
- Beat in 5 cups of white flour until combined, then add enough more to make a kneadable, sticky dough.
- Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- On a lightly floured surface, let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again (optional).
- Punch down the dough; divide into 4 equal parts.
- Knead each part into a smooth round ball and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape each ball into a loaf and place in greased loaf pans.
- Let the loaves rise until about 2 inches above the rim of the pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 42 minutes or until done.
- Remove from oven and wait 2 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool on a clean dish towel.
- Enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or seeds such as sunflower or flax to the dough. If you don't have molasses, honey or maple syrup can work as substitutes. Monitor the dough closely during rising; if your kitchen is warm, it may rise faster. Using a thermometer, ensure your water is around 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty wheat bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soups like Electric Skillet Beef Stew. Try spreading it with butter or your favorite jam for breakfast. For a refreshing beverage, pair with Summer Peach Tea Punch to complement the flavors of the bread and create a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irene'S Wheat Bread contains roughly 1898 calories, with 36g protein, 394g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), iron (121% of the Daily Value), and potassium (92% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for some or all of the whole wheat flour, but the texture and flavor will differ. Whole wheat flour provides more fiber and a denser texture, while all-purpose flour will yield a lighter loaf.
What should I do if my bread doesn't rise?
If your bread doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or not enough warmth. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated in warm water before adding it to the dough. If your kitchen is too cool, try placing the dough in a warm spot or using an oven with the light on to create a cozy environment.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F. If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
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).