Flax and Sunflower Seed Bread Recipe

Whole wheat flour: Provides a hearty base and rich flavor for the bread.

All-purpose flour: Balances the density of the whole wheat flour, giving the bread a lighter texture.

Flax seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.

Sunflower seeds: Contributes a pleasant crunch and additional nutrients.

Honey: Sweetens the bread slightly and helps activate the yeast.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

Active dry yeast: Leavens the bread, making it rise and become fluffy.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.

When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This helps develop the gluten structure, making the bread more elastic and giving it a better rise. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.

• whole wheat flour - Substitute with spelt flour: Spelt flour has a similar nutritional profile and texture, making it a good alternative for whole wheat flour.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can help with the structure and rise of the bread.

• flax seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds have similar binding properties and nutritional benefits, making them a good replacement for flax seeds.

• sunflower seeds - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds provide a similar crunch and nutritional value, making them a suitable substitute for sunflower seeds.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantity as honey.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and does not require proofing, making it a convenient alternative.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and softer texture to the bread, making it a good substitute for water.

• Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the bread in a bread box or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. This keeps the crust crisp while maintaining the bread's moisture.

• If you prefer to use plastic, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag. This method keeps the bread soft but may soften the crust.

• To freeze, slice the bread first. This allows you to take out only what you need, reducing waste.

• Wrap each slice or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable freezer bag. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. Bread can be frozen for up to three months.

• When ready to use, thaw the bread at room temperature or toast slices directly from the freezer. For a whole loaf, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to refresh its texture.

• Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator, as this can cause it to dry out and become stale more quickly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
  4. For a crispier crust, unwrap the bread for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the bread into individual pieces.
  3. Place the slices directly on the toaster oven rack or on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the slices are warm and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a slice of bread on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the slice with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for about 10-20 seconds. Check and add more time if necessary, but be cautious to avoid making the bread chewy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the slices of bread directly in the skillet.
  3. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread is warmed through and slightly toasted.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place a steaming basket over the simmering water.
  3. Wrap the bread in a clean kitchen towel and place it in the steaming basket.
  4. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the bread is warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Slice the bread and place the slices in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 3-5 minutes or until the bread is warm and slightly crispy.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the dry ingredients and later mix in the yeast mixture.

• Small bowl: A smaller bowl to dissolve the honey in warm water and activate the yeast.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and warm water accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the honey, salt, and yeast precisely.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients to form the dough.

• Floured surface: A clean, flat surface dusted with flour to knead the dough.

• Loaf pan: A greased pan where the dough will rise and bake into bread.

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: Used to cover the loaf pan while the dough rises.

• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) to bake the bread.

• Wire rack: A cooling rack where the bread will cool down after baking.

• Knife: Used to slice the bread once it has cooled.

Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure all ingredients and have them ready before starting. This reduces prep time and ensures a smooth process.

Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to knead the dough. This saves time and effort compared to kneading by hand.

Warm environment: Let the dough rise in a warm place, like an oven with the light on, to speed up the rising process.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while the dough is rising to save time.