100% Whole Wheat Bread

I rarely pass up a good deal.  Especially if it's something I've been looking for. 

I have been wanting a bread machine lately but didn't want to go out and spend money on a brand new one. Much to my delight, I found one at a garage sale for $7!  The lady there said she had only used it a few times...and I believe her because it looks brand new!  I was super excited.  

I grew up with fresh baked bread.  Not bread machine bread...homemade...self-kneaded...shaped with love...and baked by my mother.  She even grinds her own wheat.  Talk about impressive!  Maybe someday I'll get to that level.  But for now, the bread machine is my new best friend.  Pour in the ingredients and press a button...and fresh bread comes out?  Um...yes, please!  

So here was my first attempt.  I was really happy with how it turned out, especially since I had never made anything with the bread machine before.  I'm excited to try new recipes and keep "homemade bread" on hand instead of having to buy it from the store.  That's my goal...we'll see how long I can stick with it... :) 

100% Whole Wheat Bread 

Makes 1.5 pounds

All ingredients at room temperature (70-80 F)

8-9 ounces water**

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon molasses

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten

1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Add ingredients in bread machine in order (starting with liquids).  Select Whole Wheat setting.  Press Start.  When the display reads 0:00, press Stop and remove the bread. Allow bread to cool on a cooling rack before slicing. 

**I started with the lower amount of water (8 ounces) and then after the first 5 minutes, checked the dough consistency and added the remaining ounce of water.  If the dough is dense, you will want to add the water until the dough is soft and pliable.  

Enjoy!