9 Grain Whole Wheat Bread {with Natural Yeast}

We are not gluten free in this house (obviously), but I've been experimenting with natural yeast because of the health benefits.  I do have a gluten free friend who uses natural yeast to make her own wheat bread and she has zero side effects.  You can learn more about natural yeast here.

As for this recipe, it is almost identical to Honey Whole Wheat Bread (my favorite sandwich bread), just with the addition of 9 grain cracked cereal.  I like the texture it gives.  You can use any cracked cereal you have on hand, or make your own.  I use this one from Thrive Life, because it is easily accessible to me.

There are a two things to remember when baking with natural yeast:

1) Rise time is significantly longer.  The initial rise time is anywhere from 4-12 hours, with the final rise time being 1-4 hours, depending on the room temperature.

2) Cooking time is generally longer and hotter than with traditional yeast.

Other than that, its the same as regular yeast.

9 Grain Whole Wheat Natural Yeast Bread

Makes 2 loaves

3 1/3 c. whole wheat flour

1/3 c. vital wheat gluten

2/3 c. natural yeast

2/3 c. 9 grain cracked cereal

2 1/2 c. + 2/3 c. water

Combine all ingredients in mixer and mix until incorporated.

Let rest (sponge) for 10 minutes.

Add:

1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. salt

1/3 c. olive oil

1/3 c. honey

Mix while adding:

2 1/2 c. whole wheat flour (or white flour if using half and half)

Dough should come away from the sides of the bowl and be wet to the touch, but not sticking to your fingers.  You may need to add up to 1 c. of additional flour until correct consistency is reached.

Mix dough for 10 minutes.

Move dough to large bowl and cover.

Let rise until double (4-12 hours).

Once doubled, roll dough out onto greased cutting board.

Knead thoroughly and cut in half.

Shape each loaf and place in greased bread pans.

Cover with kitchen towel and let rise until doubled (1-4 hours), or until dough is 1" above top edge of loaf pan.

Bake at 385 degrees for 10 minutes, then lower to 375 degrees and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, until well browned.

(Internal temperature of bread should reach 180 degrees when fully cooked).