Seeded Whole Grain Loaf

Name: Seeded Whole Grain Loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 1 loaf (1-1/2 pounds, 16 slices).
Ingredients: 1-1/3 cups warm 2% milk (70° to 80°); 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1-1/4 teaspoons salt; 2-2/3 cups whole wheat flour; 2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats; 4 teaspoons vital wheat gluten; 1 tablespoon millet; 1 tablespoon sunflower kernels; 1 tablespoon flaxseed; 1 tablespoon cracked wheat or additional flaxseed; 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

My husband and I want whole grain bread, but we don't like the spongy store-bought whole wheat breads. I drastically altered one of my favorite batter bread recipes to create this earthy bread. It is crunchy, chewy and easy. The add-ins are just suggestions. Sometimes I use pepitas, sesame seeds or even 1/4 cup of a multi-grain hot cereal mix. —Amber Rife, Columbus, Ohio

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups warm 2% milk (70° to 80°)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
2-2/3 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats
4 teaspoons vital wheat gluten
1 tablespoon millet
1 tablespoon sunflower kernels
1 tablespoon flaxseed
1 tablespoon cracked wheat or additional flaxseed
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

Directions

In bread machine pan, place all the ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available. Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 128 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Crunchy, Chewy Grain and Seed Loaf in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2011