⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀      --- Tasty Whole Grain Bread Recipe ---


⠀⠀⠀⠀Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup bread flour 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup ground flaxseed 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons salt Instructions:
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1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey/maple syrup. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
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2. Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, bread flour, rolled oats, wheat germ, and ground flaxseed. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the olive oil and salt. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
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3. Kneading: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but try to keep it on the slightly tacky side.
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4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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5. Shaping: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to deflate it. Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it up tightly. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
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6. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.

7. Preparing the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Baking: Once the dough has risen, remove the towel or plastic wrap and place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top of the loaf starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
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9. Cooling: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps to prevent the bread from becoming gummy.
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10. Enjoying: Slice the cooled loaf and enjoy it plain, toasted, or with your favorite toppings such as butter, jam, or avocado.