Graham Bread Recipe

Graham bread is a delicious and versatile bread that is made with a combination of Graham flour and white flour. This bread has a rich and nutty flavor, thanks to the Graham flour, which is made by grinding the entire wheat kernel. It is a healthier alternative to white bread as it contains more fiber and nutrients.

The origins of Graham bread can be traced back to Sylvester Graham, an early advocate for healthful living in the 19th century. Sylvester Graham was a Presbyterian minister and dietary reformer who believed that a diet high in whole grains and plant-based foods was essential for good health. He promoted Graham flour as a healthier alternative to the refined white flour that was commonly used at the time.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Graham Bread:

Ingredients:
- 1 cake of compressed yeast (or 1 packet of active dry yeast)
- 4 tablespoons of light brown sugar or molasses
- 1 cup of lukewarm water
- 1 cup of milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 4 cups of Graham flour
- 1 cup of white flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve one cake of compressed yeast and four tablespoons of light brown sugar or molasses in one cup of lukewarm water and one cup of lukewarm milk. Stir until the yeast and sugar/molasses are fully dissolved.

2. Add two tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture and mix well.

3. Gradually add four cups of Graham flour and one cup of sifted white flour to the mixture. Mix well after each addition of flour.

4. Add one teaspoon of salt to the dough and knead thoroughly until the dough is soft and elastic. If the dough feels too dry, you can add additional water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

5. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and set it aside in a warm place to rise for about two hours or until it has doubled in size. It is important to find a warm spot for the dough to rise because the yeast needs warmth to activate.

6. Once the dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface or kneading board. Gently punch down the dough and divide it into desired loaf sizes.

7. Mold the divided dough into loaves and place them in well-greased bread pans. Make sure the pans are greased well to prevent sticking.

8. Cover the bread pans with a clean kitchen towel and set them aside to rise again for about one hour or until the dough has risen and become light.

9. Preheat your oven to a temperature lower than what you would use for white bread. A slower oven is required for Graham bread to allow the flavors to develop fully.

10. Bake the bread for approximately one hour or until they have a golden brown color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the loaves, so keep an eye on them.

11. Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Graham bread is perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own with some butter or jam. It has a hearty texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Fun fact: Did you know that Sylvester Graham also advocated for vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol and spices? His beliefs were part of a larger movement known as the Grahamism or Graham diet, which sought to promote a healthier and more natural lifestyle.

Similar recipes to Graham bread include whole wheat bread, multigrain bread, and oat bran bread. These bread recipes also focus on using whole grains and have a dense texture that is perfect for sandwiches or toast. Experimenting with different combinations of flours and grains can yield unique and delicious results. So, don't be afraid to get creative and try new variations of these wholesome bread recipes.