Luscious Flax Seed Bread for the Bread Machine

Here’s a recipe for flax bread that I concocted. I LOVE flax seed, and it is so good for you, too. It’s up to you if you want to just make the dough and bake the bread in your oven (which I prefer), or leave the dough in your bread machine to bake inside that. I never bake my bread inside the bread machine because I don’t like the shape of the loaves– they are too difficult to slice as they are too tall. And I also love the smell of freshly-baking bread that only an oven can do. But the choice is yours; this recipe works well either way.

Bread Machine Flax Bread

Place all ingredients in the order listed. All ingredients should be room temperature, unless noted. Makes a 2-lb loaf.

1 1/2 cups HOT water (not boiling, just hot from the tap)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons flax seed (whole seeds or ground seeds, your option)
2 teaspoons salt
4 cups white or unbleached white flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons quick-acting yeast granules

When it comes time to add the yeast, make a little “well” in the mound of flour, with your finger. This is to ensure that the yeast is mixed dry with the flour before it sinks into the liquids at the bottom of the bowl.

Set for “dough setting” on your bread machine if you are going to shape the loaf yourself and bake it in your oven. Once the machine has made the dough, take it out and gently knead the dough into a long, firmed-up loaf. Place the dough on a lightly-greased cookie sheet and cover with a clean cloth. Let the dough rest for about an hour while the dough rises a little. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Then place the cookie sheet/loaf in the oven and bake for about 20-35 minutes (I like a light crust). Mmmmmm. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

This recipe makes a nice, mild flax seed loaf, something the kids will eat because it doesn’t look (and taste) like that suspicious “health food” and weight loss supplements stuff. Of course, you can add more flax seed (I would add it as crushed meal, not with more seeds) and you can use whole wheat flour or mix it in with the white somewhat. Be aware that whole wheat is drier than the white, and will require more water. Do a little experimenting of your own if you wish, and feel free to leave a comment with your own alterations.