Monday, January 2, 2017

Soft and Fluffy Natural Yeast Whole Wheat Bread

Note: This post assumes the reader has experience making bread.  For detailed directions on water temperature, dough consistency, etc...just search Google and find a tutorial.  :)  Happy breadmaking!

Ingredients:
1 c. Natural Yeast (this is NOT the dried commercial yeast flakes...this is a living, cultured yeast.  For more information, read Melissa Richardson aka the Bread Geek's books and website)
4 c. Warm Water
1 Tbsp. Sea Salt
7-8+ c. Whole Wheat Flour

Directions:
Place Natural Yeast in mixing bowl (I like to use my Bosch mixer with the bread hook, you can do this by hand).  Add warm water to mixing bowl.  Add Sea Salt and mix (important to not put salt in before water, salt breaks down natural yeast when it's poured directly on it).  Mix.  Add 5 cups flour.  Mix until combined.  Continue to add flour until dough reaches desired consistency.  Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface.  Knead dough until reaches desired consistency.  Place dough in large covered stockpot, place in warm area to raise and sour for 6-12 hours. Feed Natural Yeast (every time you use it, feed it).

After dough is finished raising and souring, form into loaves (or rolls, breadsticks, etc), and place into lightly greased pans (we love to use coconut oil for this).  Cover with tea towel and let rise for 1-3 hours (until doubled in size).  Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes.