Nelda’s Whole Wheat Bread

Nelda’s Whole Wheat Bread

Emily eating nelda's breadI can smell it now, fresh warm bread coming out of the oven. Mom taking here homemade wheat buns and loaves off the pan and setting them on the cooling rack. There is nothing better than fresh bread with butter and honey.

My mom made a great batch of whole wheat bread, which neither we sisters have mastered. I am not sure what is missing, know how or artistic skill, but our attempts haven’t yielded her results. Many friends have asked for her recipe, and we sister have found a few index cards in our mom’s handwriting labeled “Bread”.  Some details are left out, so additional instructions on bread making may be required.

Nelda’s Bread

Step # 1 In a large bowl (mom used stainless steel) stir together the following:
3 to 4 cups warm water
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons yeast
1 cup bread flour
Set the bowl in the oven to proof for 15 minutes (no oven temperature specified on her card).

Step # 2 Next add these to the bowl above and mix with mixer (not sure for how long):
1/3 cup oil
2 to 3 tablespoons salt
2 eggs
2 cups whole wheat flour

Step #3 Gradually add 1 cup bread flour to mix while mixing. Continue adding whole wheat flour until you can handle the dough. Knead until smooth.

Step # 4 Turn in oiled bowl, cover and let stand until doubled in size, at least one hour. (This was omitted on the cards but you will need to shape the dough into loaves, rolls, or buns and place on greased pans. Then allow the dough to rise again covered until doubled in size). Bake at 325 degrees (not sure how long but I assume til lightly brown).

Lastly, Mom would remove the bread from the pan and place on wire cooling racks and then brush the tops of the warm bread with butter.

If you remember having Nelda’s homemade bread and are able to duplicate her results with this recipe, please let me know. I’d be happy to adjust the recipe if anyone has suggestions.

Thanks and enjoy!

 

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