Thank you for joining the class on Baking with Whole Grains! We explored the benefits of whole grains, tips for baking successfully with them, and some recipe ideas to try at home. Here’s a summary of key takeaways and next steps:

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Understanding Whole Grains

Whole grains include all parts of the grain (bran, germ, and endosperm), making them more nutritious than refined grains.
Common whole grains include wheat, barley, oats, quinoa, millet, and spelt.
Whole grains provide more fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, supporting heart health and stable blood sugar levels.

Tips for Baking with Whole Grains

Start Small: If new to whole grains, begin by substituting 25% of the all-purpose flour in your recipe with whole grain flour and gradually increase.
Adjust Liquid Content: Whole grain flours absorb more moisture, so you may need to add extra liquid to keep your dough from becoming too dry.
Measure by Weight: Whole grain flours are denser; using a kitchen scale ensures accuracy and better results.
Resting Dough: Allow dough or batter to rest before baking, giving the bran and germ time to absorb moisture and soften.
Use Vital Wheat Gluten: Adding a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten per two cups of whole wheat flour can improve texture and rise, especially in bread recipes.

Finding and Storing Whole Grains

Whole grain flours are often found in the health or natural food section of grocery stores.
Store whole grain flours in airtight containers in the refrigerator (for short-term use) or freezer (for longer storage) to prevent rancidity.
Grinding your own grains from whole kernels can help extend shelf life and freshness.

Whole Grain Recipe Ideas

Whole Wheat Bread: A hearty, nutritious option for everyday sandwiches.
Oat Flour Muffins: A great gluten-free alternative, providing a soft texture and mild flavor.
Whole Grain Pancakes: Easy and delicious, with added fiber and nutrients.
No-Knead Whole Wheat Bread: A simple way to make homemade bread with minimal effort.
Whole Wheat Cookies & Cakes: Incorporating whole wheat pastry flour can keep baked goods lighter while adding extra nutrition.

Resources:

Everyday Whole Grain Bread: King Arthur Baking
Seeduction Bread: AllRecipes
Not-Quite-Whole-Grain Baguettes: NYT Cooking
Healthy Coffee Cake: iFoodReal
Whole Grain Spelt Bread (Video Recipe): Leelalicious