Entire Wheat Bread, with its wholesome aroma and hearty flavor, embodies a timeless connection to the nourishing traditions of baking. As a testament to the simplicity and versatility of bread-making, this loaf speaks to the artistry of turning basic ingredients into a source of sustenance and delight. The story of Entire Wheat Bread is a journey through the evolution of bread-making techniques, celebrating the enduring appeal of a well-baked loaf.

The history of Entire Wheat Bread takes us back to an era when whole grains were revered for their nutritional value and bakers explored ways to create bread that combined healthfulness with taste. Entire wheat, rich in fiber and essential nutrients, became a staple ingredient in the quest for hearty and nourishing bread varieties.

As families gathered around the table, the aroma of freshly baked Entire Wheat Bread filled the air, evoking a sense of comfort and well-being. The process of crafting this bread was a labor of love, a dance between flour, water, yeast, and time that transformed humble ingredients into a nourishing and satisfying staple.

The art of making Entire Wheat Bread began with a careful selection and combination of ingredients. Boiling water, milk, sugar, salt, and Crisco came together to create a base that would add moisture, flavor, and richness to the bread. The addition of yeast, nature’s leavening agent, introduced a sense of anticipation as the dough began to rise.

Whole wheat flour, with its earthy hue and nutty flavor, formed the heart of the recipe. As bakers mixed and kneaded, the flour absorbed the liquid ingredients, forming a dough that encapsulated the essence of whole grains. The dough was given time to rise and develop, a patient process that allowed the yeast to work its magic.

The shaping and placing of the dough into Criscoed tins was a deliberate act, one that marked the transition from dough to bread. The loaves rested, doubling in size, as the aroma of yeast and wheat filled the kitchen.

A final touch of brushing the loaves with milk added a touch of gloss and enhanced the crust’s appearance. The loaves were then placed in a moderate oven, where the alchemy of baking unfolded over the course of an hour and a half. The result was a pair of beautifully browned loaves, each a testament to the baker’s skill and the bread’s journey from raw ingredients to a nourishing masterpiece.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cupful boiling water
• 2 tablespoonfuls Crisco
• 1-1/4 cupfuls milk
• 2 teaspoonfuls salt
• 2 tablespoonfuls sugar
• 1 yeast cake
• 1/4 cupful tepid water
• Whole wheat flour

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by mixing boiling water, milk, sugar, salt, and Crisco together, creating a flavorful and enriching base for the bread.
2. Dissolve the yeast cake in tepid water, then add it to the mixture, allowing the yeast to activate and begin the fermentation process.
3. Incorporate 3-1/2 cupfuls of whole wheat flour into the mixture, creating a dough that captures the essence of whole grains. Let the mixture stand until it becomes light and starts to rise.
4. Gradually add more whole wheat flour to the dough until a soft and manageable consistency is achieved.
5. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, a process that helps develop gluten and ensures even rising.
6. Divide the kneaded dough into two portions and shape them into loaves.
7. Place the loaves into Criscoed tins, allowing them to rest and rise until they double in size.
8. Brush the tops of the loaves with milk, adding a touch of luster to the crust.
9. Preheat a moderate oven and bake the loaves for approximately one and a half hours, until they achieve a rich golden-brown color and a hearty aroma fills the air.
10. Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

In summary, Entire Wheat Bread captures the essence of whole grains and the timeless appeal of well-crafted bread. Its history and creation reflect the art of blending simple ingredients to create a nourishing and satisfying staple. With its hearty texture and inviting aroma, Entire Wheat Bread continues to be a beloved choice for those who appreciate the wholesome goodness of homemade bread and the enduring traditions of the kitchen.