Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, enticing your senses and making your mouth water. Now, picture that bread infused with the delightful flavors of artichoke hearts and the hearty texture of cracked wheat. Welcome to the world of Artichoke and Cracked Wheat Bread, a unique twist on your traditional loaf that’s sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe is not only easy to make using your bread machine, but it also promises a deliciously moist and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup cooked cracked wheat
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the Artichoke and Cracked Wheat Bread recipe: 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 cup of cooked cracked wheat, 3 cups of bread flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1 cup of chopped artichoke hearts.
- In a measuring cup, warm the water slightly until it is lukewarm, around 100°F (38°C). This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast.
- In the bread machine's baking pan, add the warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Follow this with the cooked cracked wheat, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the sugar and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the baking pan over the wet ingredients, making sure to cover the liquid completely.
- Create a small well in the center of the flour mixture and add the packet of active dry yeast into this well. This helps to keep the yeast away from the salt until the mixing begins.
- Next, add the chopped artichoke hearts on top of the flour mixture, spreading them evenly across the surface.
- Insert the baking pan into the bread machine and close the lid securely.
- Select the 'Basic' or 'White Bread' setting on your bread machine, and set the crust color preference (light, medium, or dark) according to your liking.
- Start the bread machine and allow it to mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread. This process will take approximately 3 hours.
- Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the baking pan from the machine using oven mitts, as it will be hot.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Once the bread has cooled, slice it as desired and serve. Enjoy your delicious Artichoke and Cracked Wheat Bread!
Tips
- Use Lukewarm Water: Ensure the water is lukewarm (around 100°F or 38°C) to activate the yeast effectively. Too hot or too cold water can hinder the yeast's ability to rise.
- Distribute Ingredients Evenly: When adding the cooked cracked wheat and other ingredients to the bread machine, try to distribute them evenly for consistent mixing and baking.
- Create a Yeast Well: Form a small well in the center of the flour mixture before adding the yeast. This keeps the yeast away from the salt until the mixing begins, which is crucial for proper fermentation.
- Customize Your Crust: Experiment with different crust settings on your bread machine. A darker crust can add a delightful crunch, while a lighter crust may yield a softer texture.
- Cool Properly: After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and ensures a perfect crust.
- Slice with Care: Use a serrated knife to slice your bread for the best results. This will help you achieve clean cuts without squishing the loaf.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bread fresh, store it in a bread box or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing slices for easy access later.Enjoy baking this delightful Artichoke and Cracked Wheat Bread and watch it become a favorite in your household!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
