Valentine’s Day might have been over weeks ago, but we are still in the Sweet Season. And by that, I mean maple sugaring season. The season usually starts in February in our area, when there are freezing nights but warm sunny days, and lasts for about 6-8 weeks, in a good year. The production of maple syrup is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States. Native Americans processed the sap from maple trees into syrup long before Europeans came to North America. This boiled sap was the standard household sweetener in the United States until late into the 19th century. Although Connecticut is the third smallest state in the nation, it is in the top 10 in US maple syrup production.
Maple syrup, a natural, minimally processed sweetener, contains a plethora of beneficial compounds. Along with minerals and vitamins, there are high levels of antioxidants that boost the immune system in maple syrup. It also contains anti-cancer & anti-inflammatory agents. Maple syrup adds more to foods than just a sweet taste.
In this recipe, a basic wheat bread gets some wonderfully rich flavor, along with a nutritional boost, from maple syrup. The bread pairs well with the soups and stews we are eating now.
Maple Wheat Bread
Maple Wheat Bread for the Bread Maker (adapted from tasteofhome.com)
Makes 1 loaf of bread, about 16 – 18 slices
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Directions:
Add the water, egg, oil, maple syrup, salt, flours, and yeast to the pan of a bread maker in the order required by the manufacturer. Select the white bread setting and start the machine.
Add the ingredients to the bread maker.
After the second rising of the bread and before the baking starts, brush the top of the loaf with the melted butter.
Brush the top of the bread with melted butter before baking it.
When the loaf is done, remove the baking pan from the machine and place it on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Turn the bread out of the pan onto the wire rack to cool completely.
The bread is done!
Slice the bread and enjoy!
Slice the bread after it has cooled completely.
Homemade bread with a hearty soup is the perfect meal! ~Linda
Maple Wheat Bread for the Bread Maker (adapted from tasteofhome.com)
Makes 1 loaf of bread, about 16 – 18 slices
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Directions:
Add the water, egg, oil, maple syrup, salt, flours, and yeast to the pan of a bread maker in the order required by the manufacturer. Select the white bread setting and start the machine.
After the second rising of the bread and before the baking starts, brush the top of the loaf with the melted butter. Remove the baking pan from the machine and place it on a wire rack for 10 minutes, Turn the bread out of the pan onto the wire rack to cool completely. before slicing.