As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of freshly baked bread to fill our homes with joy and delight. In this recipe, we are going to create something truly special that embodies the essence of the fall season – Luann’s Seedtime and Harvest Loaves. These loaves are a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and earthy flavors that will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a cozy breakfast treat or as an accompaniment to a hearty soup, these loaves are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Embrace the season with the delicious aroma of baking bread wafting through your home and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
– 2 tablespoons flaxseeds
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Mix well to distribute the seeds evenly throughout the flour.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
3. Add the salt and honey to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased loaf pans.
8. Cover the pans with the kitchen towel and let the loaves rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until they have risen slightly above the rim of the pans.
9. Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Seedtime and Harvest Loaves are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a slather of butter or a dollop of homemade jam. The hearty combination of seeds and oats gives the loaves a wonderful texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Store any leftover loaves in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a few days, or freeze them for longer storage. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey of baking delicious bread that will fill your home with warmth and love. Enjoy!
