Honey-Wheat Batter Bread

1 loaf (20 thin slices)

Recipe from Betty Crocker Under 350 Calories

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Whether you are a beginner baker or a pro in the baking department, this is a lovely little loaf of homemade goodness that’s simple to make.  There’s no need to knead the dough.  It’s completely prepared in your mixer.  After a couple of quick rises, it’s time to pop it in the oven.  It has a nice, tight crumb and so it’s easy to slice.  I like that it’s made with some whole-wheat flour and wheat germ.  There’s just a hint of honey-butter flavor in each bite, but don’t let that deter you from serving it up with a slather of butter and a little honey or homemade jam.  Have it toasted with your breakfast or have it warm with a bowl of soup.

1 package active dry yeast

1 ¼ cups warm water (105 to 115 F)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup white whole-wheat flour or whole-wheat flour

2 Tablespoons wheat germ

2 Tablespoons honey

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter or shortening

2 teaspoons Kosher salt

Plus…

1 cup white whole-wheat flour or whole-wheat flour

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water in a large bowl.  Add all the ingredients except 1 cup white whole-wheat flour.  Beat on low speed until moistened.  Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally.  Add the remaining 1 cup white whole-wheat flour and stir for 1-1 ½ minutes more.  Scrape the batter from the sides of the bowl.  Cover the bowl and let the batter rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled.

Grease a 9 X 5 X 3-inch loaf pan.  Stir down the batter by beating about 35 strokes.  Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.  The batter will be sticky.  Use floured hands to smooth the top of the loaf a bit.  Allow the loaf to rise about 30 minutes or until the batter is about 1 inch below the top of the pan. 

Heat the oven to 375F.  Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the loaf is brown and sounds hollow when tapped.  Immediately remove from the pan.  Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter, if desired.  Cool on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information:  (1 of 20 slices) 75 calories (82 calories if using butter); 2 g protein; 13 g carbs; 2 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 220 mg sodium