.................. Cooking with Barry & Meta: Multigrain Seeded Bread . . . soft & fluffy

Chockful of grains and seeds, the bread also includes whole wheat flour that creates a hearty, nutritious and delicious loaf. And, the addition of bread flour vital wheat gluten ensures that the bread is soft and fluffy (versus the dense and heavy loaves that often are the result of whole wheat seeded loaves ). It does take awhile to make the loaf, but it is definitely worth the time and effort.

Multigrain Seeded Bread Yield: 2 loaves

2 packages of instant yeast (scant 2 tablespoons)

1 tablespoon honey (use maple syrup or agave to make it vegan)

1/4 cup warm water (120°F)

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2 cups warm water

4 tablespoons honey

½ cup 7, 9 or 10 grain cereal (such as Bob’s Red Mill)

1 cup old fashioned oatmeal

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 cup flaxseed

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1/3 cup pumpkin seed

2 to 3 cups bread flour (more or less as needed)

1/4 cup vital wheat gluten (provides the extra gluten than whole-grain loaves need to rise their highest)

1 1/2 tablespoons salt (yes, this is tablespoons)

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter, cooled slightly (use coconut oil or vegetable oil to make it vegan)

Egg wash (mix an egg with about a teaspoon of water)

Proof Yeast: Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of honey to 1/4 cup water. Set aside for about 5 minutes until it gets bubbly.
Sponge: In a large mixing bowl, add the proofed yeast, 2 cups warm water, 4 tabespoons honey, multi-grain cereal, oatmeal, 1 cup of the whole wheat flour, the seeds, 1 cup of bread flour, and vital wheat gluten.
Stir until well mixed.
Cover and set in a warm place to rise , about 30 minutes and up to 3 hours.
Bread: Stir the sponge down and add the salt and butter.
Using the dough hook on your mixer beat in the remaining whole wheat flour and enough of the remaining bread flour to make an elastic dough. Knead for 6 to 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Cover and place in a warm spot to rise. Let rise until double, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Punch down and form into 2 loaves
Place in greased pans and cover; let rise for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until doubled.
Make 3 shallow diagonal cuts across top f loaves with a sharp knife; brush with an egg wash. Add additional seeds or oatmeal to the top of loaf if desired.
Bake in preheated 375°F for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Loaves will sound hollow when tapped if they are done. Or, use an internal thermometer, inserted in the middle of loaf — temperature should be 200° to 210° F..

Note: Cool completely before slicing.

Recipe without photos . . .