Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread Rustic Homemade Delight

A delicious, rustic homemade crusty whole wheat Italian bread that could easily become a favorite for both kids and adults alike. See the recipe below.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups of water (105-115 deg F)
• 2 tablespoon light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal, for dusting baking sheet

Directions

~~ For Bread Machine ~~

• Add all ingredients except cornmeal to bread machine pan in the proper area for your machine
• Select dough cycle and start machine

~~ Conventional Method ~~

• In large bowl, dissolve yeast, brown sugar and ginger in warm water.
• Let stand for 5 minutes until yeast forms.
• Add salt and bread flour, then beat well.
• Stir in whole wheat flour to make a stiff dough.
• Turn out onto lightly floured board and knead 10 minutes or until dough is springy, smooth and satiny.
• Wash bowl, grease it, and add dough to in bowl, then turn over to grease top.
• Let rise in a warm place until it doubles in bulk, about 1 hour.

~~ Shaping and Baking ~~

• Lightly oil or grease a 14X17″ baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal, then set aside.
• Punch down the dough.
• Divide in half and, on a lightly floured surface, shape into long loaves, rolling each piece first into a 5X12″ rectangle, then rolling each up along the long side to make long, narrow loaf.
• Pinch edges to seal, and taper ends.
• Place loaves, seam side down, on prepared baking sheet
• Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
• Make 4-5 slashes across each loaf with sharp knife.
• Brush each loaf with water and sprinkle with whole wheat flour.
• Bake in a preheated 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, until loaves are browned and crisp.
• Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
• NOTE: I use a spray bottle filled with water and spray the loaves and oven walls once or twice at 5-minute intervals at the beginning of baking.

Nothing beats the aroma and taste of the freshly baked bread 🙂 The kids are always wearing big smiles at the sight of the cut slices as they inhale the smells of this homemade delight.