Baking 12 Grain Bread for healthier living

Here are the detailed steps for making 12-grain bread at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup 12-grain cereal
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Kitchen towel

Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, 12-grain cereal, rolled oats, and wheat germ. Mix well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. In a separate mixing bowl, dissolve the honey and yeast in warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until the yeast is activated and the mixture becomes foamy.

3. Add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and salt to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.

4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it feels too dry, add a little more water.

5. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.

6. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf.

7. Place the loaf onto a baking sheet, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise again for another 30-45 minutes.

8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is preheated, remove the kitchen towel from the loaf and bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Congratulations, you have just made 12-grain bread at home!