I was recently sent a free copy of The Green Market Baking Book to review. The Green Market Baking Book is a collection of recipes contributed by bakers and chefs in “a desire to give people alternatives to baking with refined sugar and artifical sugar products, and to encourage them to support their local food communities.”
What I liked best about the Green Market Baking Book is the information it gives on baking with what’s in season. The recipes are arranged according to season and there’s great information about what produce is available that season, as well information on choosing and storing that season’s produce. There’s also great information for sugar substitutions in your own recipes.
The book is well organized and beautifully designed, but I was disappointed that there were no photographs in the cookbook. A mouth-watering picture always motivates me to try a recipe.
My son was home sick from school and I was making him chicken noodle soup, so I decided to make the Green Market Baking Book Honey Whole Wheat Bread to accompany the soup.
The recipe uses a blend of whole wheat flour and bread flour, so the bread is nice and light, not heavy like some wheat breads I’ve made. The honey shines through and gives it a slightly sweet flavor. It was wonderful hot out of the oven, but even better toasted with jam the next morning!
I look forward to trying out more of the Green Market Baking Book recipes when our local farmer’s market opens in June.
Honey Whole Wheat Bread–Green Market Baking Book
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup honey
- ¾ cup whole milk I used 1%
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vital wheat gluten my addition
- 2 to 3 cups bread flour I used less than 2 cups
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add two teaspoons of the honey and allow the yeast to sit for 10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Combine the milk, honey and butter together over low heat until the butter melts. (I did this step in a microwave safe measuring cup in the microwave.) Add this to the yeast.
- In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, salt and vital wheat gluten. Add the liquids and stir until well mixed. Add one cup of bread flour then gradually continue to add as much of the remaining flour necessary until the dough forms a ball.
- Knead the dough for 7 to 8 minutes. Put the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover. Place in a warm space until the dough doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Form the dough into loaves and place them in greased loaf pans, or form into rounds and place on a baking sheet. Cover the dough and allow it to rise again until double in size.
- Bake at 350º for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is baked through and firm to touch. (The oven temperature was omitted in the cookbook but 350º worked well.)
Maggie
Barbara – Thanks for supplying the pictures! Like you, I’m more motivated when I see the result and yours looks superb. I’ve saved this as a favorite link to my recipes folder and will try it as soon as I can grab a moment.
Deborah
There’s nothing like a fresh loaf of bread – especially slathered with butter!!
Lynda
Looks great Barbara….I’ve got it bookmarked!
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels
You must have read my mind because I’ve been looking for a good honey whole wheat bread recipe. I can’t wait to try this recipe, I love making bread. And the bread you made is just gorgeous! 🙂
pigpigscorner
I’m trying to bake more bread nowadays, this sounds fab!
lynn
Your bread looks delicious, Barbara. You just can’t beat home-baked bread.
kitchenarian
Your bread looks perfect! It sounds like a great cookbook.
Cookin' Canuck
That bread looks wonderful, Barbara. I can’t wait until the farmer’s market opens in June, too. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
Asha@FSK
Those are gorgeous loaves!!! whole wheat never looked better than in that last photo! buttered and perfect!
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen
Oh man, no photographs! If all the recipes look are yummy as this bread I just might have to pick up this book next time I am in the bookstore. 🙂
Kim
That is some good lookin’ bread, Barbara! Wow!
Kasha
This looks heavenly! I am curious about the vital wheat gluten. Do I need that for this recipe? If so, where do I get it? Thanks for sharing!
Barbara
Here’s some good info about vital wheat gluten http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/vital-wheat-gluten-16-oz. I haven’t used King Arthur’s but I love all of their products I’ve tried. Most of our local grocery stores carry it. It’s optional in the recipe, but it always makes me feel better to use it with whole wheat.
Joy
Those look wonderful The texture looks just right.
Nutmeg Nanny
That is seriously one of the most beautiful looking bread loaves ever!
Rocky Mountain Woman
The toast is what looks good to me also…
Yum, with a little butter….
Anne
That toast looks to die for… the texture is fabulous!
Delishhh
Goregous – i love that a book does it sesonal and then uses no sugar – i might have to pick one up.
teresa
mmmm, i don’t know if life gets better then a hot loaf of bread right out of the oven. this is wonderful!
Maris (In Good Taste)
There is nothing like homemade bread and yours looks perfect.
Blond Duck
Those are gorgeous!