whole wheat bread recipe
Gina Marie Miraglia EriquezI know what you're thinking: "Yeah, right, who has time for homemade bread? Are you out of your mind?" I'm a busy parent myself, with two little kids, and you have to trust me when I say there is really nothing like making a loaf of bread from scratch. It's very satisfying.

When you think about it, it's pretty unbelievable that combining flour, yeast and water together makes bread -- I know people are often intimidated by the process, but these recipes are easy. And they're a far cry from the sliced store-bought loaves filled with additives and preservatives. If you've got a good heavy-duty mixer, use it -- it can really help with mixing and kneading. Yes, it can be a bit of an arm workout otherwise, but consider it a cheap gym substitute.

I picked these recipes because they're not at all fussy, and each has its place during the day. The whole-wheat oatmeal bread is a free-form loaf that makes great toast for breakfast and it just happens to be good for you. (If two loaves are too much for your family to eat within a few days, just wrap up the other loaf and freeze it. It defrosts easily and tastes just like fresh baked.) The walnut-cherry bread is also great for breakfast (try it smeared with cream cheese...divine!) or serve it toasted at lunch or snacktime, topped with some Manchego or cheddar cheese. And the dinner roll are perfect for rounding out a full meal or to go with a weeknight salad.

Take the plunge and get baking. I promise it'll be worth the effort.

Make the Bread Recipes

• Whole-Wheat Oatmeal Bread: Forget what you think you know about whole-wheat bread -- dry, tough, and crumbly. This recipe bakes up remarkably tender and full of flavor.

• Walnut-Cherry Bread: This is a surprisingly easy bread to make, and the tart-sweet cherries and crunchy walnuts deliver a big flavor payoff. Try it sliced, toasted, and paired with cheese.

• Dinner Rolls: Look no further -- this is the perfect dinner roll. (I know that's a big statement, but I stand by it!) They're best served warm from the oven with a pat of sweet cream butter.

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• Craving something sweeter? Try one of these yummy quick breads.