Harvest Bread Recipe – Perfect for Autumn

When you think about autumn, the rich flavors and aromas of harvest bread likely come to mind. This recipe not only features whole wheat flour but also incorporates dried fruits and spices that perfectly capture the essence of the season. You can choose between the tangy notes of sourdough or the simplicity of a quick bread, both offering a satisfying experience. Imagine your kitchen filled with warmth as you bake; what’s more, there are several ways to serve it that might just surprise you. Let’s investigate how to create this comforting seasonal staple.

Key Takeaways

• Use whole wheat flour combined with dried fruits and warm spices to evoke autumn flavors in your harvest bread.
• Incorporate fresh orange juice and zest in the quick version for a seasonal twist that brightens the bread’s taste.
• Allow a long overnight rise to enhance the bread’s depth of flavor and texture, perfect for the cozy autumn season.
• Customize your harvest bread with seasonal nuts and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an added fall touch.
• Serve warm with sweet butter or jam, making it a delightful treat for autumn gatherings and celebrations.

History

The history of Harvest Bread is rooted in the establishment of the Great Harvest Bread Company, which began in the late 1970s when Pete and Laura Wakeman sold fresh-ground whole wheat bread from a roadside stand in Durham, Connecticut. This venture swiftly blossomed into a bakery, with the first Great Harvest bakery opening in Great Falls, Montana, in 1976.

Key milestones in the company’s history include:

• 1978: A second bakery opens near Kalispell, Montana.
• Jacque Sanchez: Opens a third bakery in Spokane, Washington.

The cultural significance of bread plays a crucial role in many traditions, highlighting its importance as a symbol of life and abundance, particularly in Polish culture. Great Harvest’s founding emphasizes the community-oriented approach to baking, fostering connections between local ingredients and consumers. Rituals and ceremonies involving bread underscore its status in customs like weddings and harvest festivals.

In 1983, Great Harvest became the nation’s first whole grain bread franchise, spreading its mission of baking phenomenal bread while fostering strong bakeries. Today, it remains true to its Montana roots with its headquarters in Dillon, Montana, serving a network of independently-owned bakeries and cafes, each dedicated to baking fresh, wholesome bread for their communities.

Recipe

Harvest Bread Recipe

Harvest bread is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season with a variety of fruits, nuts, and warm spices. This versatile bread can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted for a delicious breakfast or snack. The recipe combines the hearty texture of whole wheat flour with the sweetness of dried fruits and a touch of spice, making it a comforting addition to any meal.

Whether you opt for sourdough or a quick version, each bite is filled with the essence of harvest time. For those looking to make the process easier, the quick harvest bread offers a faster option that still delivers on flavor without the need for an active sourdough starter. This version incorporates fresh orange juice and zest for a bright flavor, along with a mix of dried cranberries and golden raisins.

Additionally, this recipe emphasizes the importance of an overnight or all-day rise to enhance the bread’s flavor. Whichever recipe you choose, your kitchen will be filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (227g) active sourdough starter
– 3 cups+2 Tbsp (360g) Premium White Whole Wheat Flour
– 2 teaspoons (12g) salt
– 1 cup+3 Tbsp (285g) cool water
– 1 1/4 cup (170g) dried fruit (raisins, pears, currants, dried cranberries, apricots, cherries)

Cooking Instructions:
Begin by dissolving the sourdough starter in a cup of cool water, then stir in the flour until fully incorporated. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.

After resting, add the salt and your choice of dried fruits, then stretch and fold the dough every half hour for a total of 2 hours. Once finished, cover the dough and let it rest overnight or for at least 8 hours.

The next day, shape the dough to fit your baking container and allow it to rise as you preheat your oven to 460°F (240°C).

Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in this recipe. The longer resting times help to develop flavor and improve texture, so don’t rush this process.

Additionally, consider experimenting with different combinations of dried fruits and nuts to customize your harvest bread to your liking. For an extra boost of flavor, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added into the dough before baking.

Enjoy your warm, homemade harvest bread!

Final Thoughts

Harvest bread is more than just a delightful recipe; it represents the heart of the season, bringing together rich flavors and comforting aromas. This hearty bread captures the essence of fall through the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by nuts like walnuts and dried fruits such as cranberries and apricots.

There are various methods to bake harvest bread, from simple no-knead techniques to traditional sourdough processes. Serve it thickly sliced with sweet butter or jam, and consider using it as a base for turkey sandwiches or grilled cheese.

When preparing your harvest bread, remember these tips:

• Use pumpkin puree or whole wheat flour for added moisture and nutrition.
• Incorporate a variety of nuts to improve texture.
• Experiment with baking in a Dutch oven for ideal crust and crumb. Also, consider that sourdough fermentation enhances the digestibility of the bread.

Proper storage is key, too—keep the bread at room temperature for short-term use or freeze it for longer periods.

Whether you enjoy it fresh or toasted, harvest bread offers endless possibilities to celebrate the flavors of autumn. It’s a versatile addition to your seasonal recipes that brings warmth to any table.

FAQ

When diving into the world of harvest bread, you might’ve a few questions about ingredients, preparation, and variations. Here’s a breakdown to guide you:

Types of Harvest Bread:

• Pumpkin-based: Contains pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

• Fruit and Nut-based: Features dried fruits like cranberries and raisins, along with nuts.

• Sourdough-based: Uses a sourdough starter, incorporating dried fruits and nuts.

• Apple and Pumpkin-based: Combines pumpkin with apples and walnuts.

Key Ingredients:

• Pumpkin Puree: A staple for autumn breads.

• Dried Fruits: Such as cranberries and currants.

• Nuts: Common choices are walnuts and pecans.

• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves improve flavor.

• Sweeteners: Honey and molasses can sweeten the bread.

Preparation Methods:

• Baked in a Dutch oven or on a baking sheet.

• Some recipes call for overnight rising.

• Bread can be shaped into loaves or boules. In the Harvest Bread recipe, the dough is allowed to rise for 12-20 hours, creating a rich flavor.

Storage and Serving:

• Cool completely before slicing.

• Store at room temperature or freeze for longer preservation.

• Pairs well with cream cheese spreads or fruit syrups.