Paula'S Bread

Prep: 240 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

Homemade hearty bread with optional seeds and grains, perfect for sandwiches or to enjoy with meals, offering warm, wholesome flavors and versatile shapes.

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Ingredients

  • 3 pkg. yeast
  • 6 c. warm water
  • 1 1/2 c. dry milk
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 5 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 c. shortening
  • 3 c. whole wheat flour
  • white flour (enough to make a bread dough)
  • sunflower seeds (optional)
  • oatmeal (optional)
  • cracked wheat (optional)
  • wheat germ (optional)

Instructions

  1. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
  2. Let rise in a large bowl covered with a lid or towel until doubled in size in a warm place.
  3. Shape the dough into desired forms such as loaves, rolls, or buns.
  4. Let rise for about one hour until puffed up.
  5. Bake at 375°F until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use fresh yeast and ensure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. You can substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour to enhance the nutritional value and flavor. Adding sunflower seeds, oatmeal, or cracked wheat can provide texture and a nutty taste. Adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this bread warm with butter or use it for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with grilled zucchini or can be toasted for breakfast with jam. Consider serving it alongside soups or salads for a wholesome meal. This bread also makes a great base for a savory bread pudding like the Famous Bread Pudding.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Paula'S Bread contains roughly 1222 calories, with 31g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2246mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

1222 kcal 61% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 31.4g 63% DV
Total Fat 56g 72% DV
Carbs 157.5g 57% DV
Fiber 23g 82% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2246mg 98% DV
Potassium 1462.6mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 54.7mg 61% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 436.9mg 34% DV
Iron 6.9mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 active dry yeast instead of packaged yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of packaged yeast. Just dissolve it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the mixture to activate it. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy before proceeding with the recipe.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or cold temperatures. Make sure your yeast is fresh and check the temperature of your water. If the room is too cold, try placing the dough in a warm spot, like an oven with just the light on, to encourage rising.

How can I customize the flavor of this bread?

You can customize the flavor by adding herbs or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme. Additionally, mixing in seeds like sesame or even shredded cheese can enhance the taste. Experimenting with different flours, like spelt or rye, can also create unique flavors.

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).

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