Cracked Wheat & Bran Bread

I was attracted by the Title of bread, while browsing karenskitchenstories.com (it’s one of my favorite too) and bookmarked it immediately.

Baking healthy, serving oven fresh bread to my family gives me a pleasure and satisfying feel.

The outcome of cracked wheat and bran bread is just amazing. I am happy to share here.

Cracked wheat produced from whole raw wheat kernels, which are crushed into smaller pieces. Initially, I was confused cracked wheat with Bulgur. Though, the bulgur also made from cracking wheat kernels. But, the wheat kernels are steamed and toasted before cracking. 

When the wheat processed for flour, the outer layer removed. (it is packed with nutrition) This outer layer is known as wheat bran.

Ingredients :  1 ¼ cups of boiling water       ;      ¼ cup +2 tbsp of cracked wheat   ;    1/4 cup of wheat bran       ;        1/4 cup of brown sugar       ;       1 tbsp of oil       ;   3/4 tsp of salt      ;        2 tsp of instant yeast       ;      1/2 cup of whole wheat flour    ;   2  1/3 cup of bread flour.

Procedure :     In the kitchen aid bowl, Add boiling water, cracked wheat, bran, oil, salt, and mix well and cover the bowl for about 15 minutes.

Add the whole wheat flour to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Add the yeast and 1 cup of the bread flour. Mix well.

Place the bowl into the kitchen aid and attach the dough hook. Run the mixer in med-speed and slowly add the rest of the flour till it combine well and forms slightly sticky dough.

Remove the bowl from mixer and knead further for about 15 minutes.

Apply oil on the dough and cover the bowl with damp cloth to rise for about 90 minutes or until double in size. Gently deflate the dough and roll into a loaf and place loaf pan and cover with damp cloth for about 60 minutes. 

Transfer the loaf pan into a pre-heated oven and bake at 180°C for about 40 min ot till it done well. (Tent the loaf with aluminum foil if it begins to brown too much)

Transfer the Bread loaf to the wire rack and allow it to cool.

Energy Bars

Energy bars are meant to delivery energy to the body quickly. Therefore, athletes prefer to consume before their workout.  Also, energy bars are good snack during the competitions.

Usually, the swimming competitions are 2 -3 days long and the swimmers needs to swim couple of times in a day. Hence, Energy bars are the best alternative for a meal.  My son was taking part in Speedo invitational swim meet at Dubai. So, I prepared these Bars for him.

 Energy bars are not only meant for Athletes, this is good for those who need quick energy but do not have time for proper meal. These bars can be consumed even during a busy office schedule without wasting time.

Our body converts fat, protein and Carb’s into energy. In energy bars, cereals, seeds and nuts are the main ingredients. (Good source of complex carbohydrates, Essential fatty acids and Antioxidant property)

Most of the kids, don’t like to eat dry fruits, seeds and nuts in a raw form. But, they like to eat the energy bar ! where the all the nuts are blend together.

The Ingredients are,  ½ cup of Oats    ;     ½ cup of Sunflower seeds     ;       ½ cup of Wheat bran    ;   ½ cup of chopped Walnuts     ;        ¼ cup of Whole wheat flour    ;     ½ cup of chopped Apricots        ;  ½ cup of chopped Almonds     ;      ½ cup of Gooseberry (dried)     ;     ½ cup of chopped Dates      ;      ½ cup of Milk powder      ;      1/3  cup of Honey     ;     2 no’s of Egg whites. (for Egg substitutes, check my Tips & Tricks page)

Procedure : In a bowl mix all ingredient expect egg white and honey. Now, add honey, egg whites and mix well till combined / fully coated.

Transfer the mixture into a pre greased square pan and spread evenly and press the mixture firmly. Transfer the pan into 150°c preheated oven and bake for 20 - 25 min. Allow it to cool and cut into bar shape. Store it in an air tight container.

Chocolate Ragi Cookies

Ragi, is whole grain, it is higher in protein and minerals in comparison to all other cereals and millets. 

In fact, Ragi was an everyday food in Tamil Nadu, Once upon a time!. Ragi consumed with Rice in the form of Koozh. (கூழ்) What a perfect Combo of Carbs and Protein.

But, slowly all the good food habits are phased out and the High Carbs took the Place. 

I know, it’s not difficult but impossible to ask the younger generations to consume Koozh. (கூழ்) But, want to feed the Ragi in modified and acceptable form. The only way is Chocolate Ragi Cookies. Want the cookies to be very rich and have high nutritional values. Hence, a very lengthy ingredients list.

Okay, the Ingredients  required are :   Dark chocolate  -170 gms (64 %coco)     ;    100 gms of Butter      ;    1/2 cup  of all purpose flour  (AP)   ;      ¾ cup of Ragi flour     ;    2 tbsp  of  Wheat germs    ;  2 tbsp of  Wheat bran    ;    1 - Egg       ;    1 Cup of  Light Brown Sugar    ;    1 tsp   of  Baking Powder     ;    ¼ tsp of  Baking Soda    ;  ½ tsp of  Vanilla essence    ;   salt -  a pinch    ;  ½ cup  Of White chocolate chips    ;    1/4 cup  of  Chocolate chips    ;   1/4 cup  of  chopped Almonds.

First, melt butter and dark chocolate in double boiler and let it cool.

Mix all the dry ingredient AP flour, Ragi, salt, baking powder, baking soda, wheat germ, bran, and keep aside.

Once the chocolate mixture cooled add sugar, and beat with hand mixture then egg till all cooperate together. Now, add the dry ingredients and blend well.

At last, add all chips & nuts .using ice scoop arrange the cookies in baking tray make the cookies round shape by pressing it. 

Transfer the tray to the fridge for about 20 min (to hold its shape) then directly to the pre-heated oven for 180° C till it completely done.