Homemade Multigrain Bread

I work from home. It can be a blessing and a curse. It is so easy to settle in and work in house clothes. After all, no one would know. Instead I make an effort every single day to look nice for my Man. He has been working hard all day too and I want him to come home to a nice clean house and a nice clean wife. It works. He greets me with a hug and kiss and a big smile. I am also more productive when I look nice. 

Romantic Tip: 1. Groom yourself, and try to look good for your partner.

My husband and I love our multigrain toast on the weekends. Because I love to cook and bake so much, I decided to stop buying the bread all together, and make it myself. I was so shocked when I started reading through recipes. I think I had read through at least 20 recipes before I just had to make one up myself. 

Since when is multi-grain or whole wheat full of white flour? I seriously was shocked. Most of the recipes call for 1 cup whole wheat and 3 cups all purpose flour. It is fine for those that want that, but I only want pure wholesome ingredients in my body. If I want junk, I will go get a loaf at the grocer. 

This bread is 100% whole grain bread. Full of seeds and all things wholesome. It is dense as you would expect of a wholesome bread not full of fillers. When I have this as toast for breakfast it keeps me satisfied. So much so, a lot of times I forget to eat lunch! Oops! 

Whole Grain Bread

Makes 1 loaf

1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons pure cane sugar

1/2 cup nonfat dry milk

3 cups organic stone ground Whole Wheat Flour

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 cup flax seeds

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1 Tablespoon instant yeast

2 Tablespoons Vital Wheat Gluten

Combine all of the ingredients, and mix and knead—by hand, mixer, or bread machine—until you've made a smooth,dough. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover the bowl, and allow it to rise for 60 to 90 minutes, until it's expanded a bit. It won't have doubled in size, but should feel puffy when you squeeze it.

Lightly grease a 9" x 5" loaf pan. Gently shape the dough into a smooth log. 

Place it in the pan, smooth side up, cover the pan, and allow the loaf to rise for about 30 to 45 minutes. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes.  Remove it from the oven, and turn it out of the pan onto a rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. 

Slice and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Don't forget to eat a fresh piece first!