On Waiting Well (and a recipe for Multi-Grain Sunflower Bread.) (2024)

by HappyGoStuckey 32 Comments

Asbleary-eyed new parents we went through a longwaiting period. It was eighteen months of compulsively checking emails and grabbingthe phone on the first tone of the first ring. We were waiting for a job, a direction, a next step.The wait was longer than either of us expectedand we ran out of things to do “in the mean time.”

One particular Thursday, I crossedour welcome mat at 5:15 and covered the ten stepsto the kitchen to see that Lance had taken up bread making.

In between trail hikes with Baby Lucy on his back and a huge stack of job applications, he had challenged himself to master the yeast and flour to produce something predictable. The air was thickwith the scent of time well spent.

The simplicity of bread is one that we often miss. Flour, Water, Yeast and Time. Nothing more really, but nothing less. Unfancy ingredients blend together with a comfortable wait andgiveus fluffy, seedy slices of gluten. Regardless of the flour you select, the wait is what truly matters. If you don’t have the time, you won’t have very good bread.

That particular waiting period ended with a bang and a whirlwind move to the city we call our home, but it definitely wasn’t that last wait of its kind. We’ve waited many times since then with various results. I know we will always waittowards something.

I adore having something to look forward to, almost more than I enjoy the thing itself.
But when the thing is not certain to ever actually arrive, that’s when I struggle. I love waiting towards a block on my planner— but waiting in the unknown can be truly lonely.

And still— I confess that I wish I were better at this thing of waiting. If only I could preach to my soul a little earlier in the process before endless anxious striving becomes my daily to-do list.

Do you struggle with this? We may not wake up in the morning planning to exhaust ourselves from the inside out, but we do it anyway. We know what striving feels like. We recognize the way it leaves us bare and peace-less all in a matter of minutes– minutes in which we try to take control.

No matter the thing we’re waiting on, it’s all the same. It is leaning too much on what I want to know and not leaning enough on that which I already do. It’s forgetting the truth that we aren’t meant to strive our way through the wait.

Because, friend? We are not meant to endlessly strive through the wait. No matter what we might do with our hands while waiting, it matters that our hearts are practicing rest.

When I forget to remember thatthese details are not up to me, time standing at my kitchen counter helps. I watchyeast bloom or onions caramelize and the task is good for my waiting process.

I’m not sure about good things coming to those who wait; but I know there is a good God who holds all our waits in His hands. He holds them all.

This bread is a tangible reminder to my heart of this very thing.
And,it makes two large loaves; just in case you have a friend that alsoneeds to be reminded of the good inthe waiting.

Print

Friar Stuck's Multigrain Sunflower Bread

Author:Cynthia Stuckey

Prep time:

Cook time:

Total time:

Serves:2 loaves

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups water (105°-115°F) (567 grams)
  • 
5 ½ cups King Arthur Bread Flour (788 grams)
  • 
5 tablespoons vegetable oil (70 grams)
  • 5 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (42 grams)
  • ⅔ cup hulled sunflower seeds (90 grams)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (uncooked oatmeal) (114 grams)
  • 5 tablespoons sesame seeds (40 grams)
  • 
5 tablespoons flax seeds (50 grams)
  • 3 teaspoons salt (20 grams)
  • 
6¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (20 grams)

Method

  1. Combine the yeast and the water together for approximately 5 minutes. I often toss in a pinch of sugar; I find it helps the yeast to bloom better.
  2. After about 5 minutes, add the oil, salt, and sugar. Using the dough hook on your stand mixer, mix the ingredients together on a low speed for about a minute.
  3. After about a minute you will begin to add the flour. You will do this in three installments. Add the first installment of flour and give it a minute to begin to incorporate into the liquid mixture. Once it has incorporated well, add the second. Repeat this with the third and final mixture. Increase the speed of the mixer to about medium. At this point the dough should begin to form and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Add the oats, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds to the mixture. If you have made any additions to the recipe, such as oat bran, wheat germ, etc., add these now.
  5. Allow the dough to knead for a few more minutes, no more than about five.
  6. Remove the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface. Knead it and shape it into a ball. Deposit the ball in a lightly oiled bowl for approximately 2 hours or until the ball has doubled in size.
  7. After 2 hours, remove the dough from the bowl and punch it down. If you are only making one loaf, shape it to the size of your loaf pan and cover. If you are making a double recipe, divide the ball into equal pieces. Shape each to the size of your loaf pan and cover.
  8. Allow the bread to rise for about 45 to 60 minutes, until it’s crowned about 1 inch above the edge of the pan. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F.
  9. Bake in a 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 190°F. You can test for doneness by thumping the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it is done.
  10. Remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a cooling rack.

(*You might recall the story of ourwaitmentioned here, if you’ve read Simmer. This bread is PERFECT with any one of those soups!)

On Waiting Well (and a recipe for Multi-Grain Sunflower Bread.) (2024)

FAQs

How healthy is sunflower bread? ›

Sunflower bread is packed with healthy fats and protein from those glorious little seeds. So not only will your taste buds be happy, but your body will be too. This bread is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. Trust us, once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Is multigrain bread healthier than whole wheat? ›

Whole wheat bread is healthier than multigrain bread. Because 100 per cent whole wheat bread has the whole grain which has nutrients like B vitamins, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and magnesium intact in every slice,” Dr Patel said.

Is multigrain bread good for cholesterol? ›

The high fibre content of multigrain bread keeps cholesterol problems at bay as fibre does not allow cholesterol to get deposited in your arteries and clog them. This is why doctors often recommend that people with high cholesterol or heart ailments switch to multigrain bread.

What is the difference between multigrain and 12 grain bread? ›

12 grain = twelve different grains added to base food. This usually comes in a premixed bag you can find at the health food store. (Flax, oats, rye, barley etc..) Multi-grain = more than two extra grains added to base food.

Is sunflower a carb or protein? ›

One-fourth of a cup of of sunflower seed kernels contains about 207 calories and 7 grams of carbohydrate. About half of the carbs come from fiber (nearly 4 grams) and the rest is starch. Since there is little to no sugar in sunflower seeds, they are considered to be a low-glycemic food.

Is multigrain bread healthier? ›

Since multigrain bread typically has more fiber and a lower glycemic index than white bread, it is generally healthier than white bread. Multigrain bread has a tendency to be more nutrient-dense because it can contain whole grains, whereas white bread is always made from refined grains.

Is it OK to eat whole grain bread everyday? ›

Whole grains and products made from them are more filling than refined grains, and research suggests that they may lower your risk of obesity. In fact, eating 3 servings of whole grains daily was linked to lower body mass index (BMI) and less belly fat in a review of 15 studies in almost 120,000 people ( 12 ).

What are the side effects of multigrain bread? ›

Both multigrain and whole wheat bread has extremely high fiber content. Having too much breads can lead to diarrhea and even bloating. If you are overconsuming whole wheat or even multigrain bread, then it can lead to lose motions. Do not eliminate it from your diet, but have it in small amounts.

Can I eat spaghetti if I have high cholesterol? ›

If you have high cholesterol, pasta doesn't have to be completely off-limits. By choosing healthy noodle alternatives and other heart-healthy ingredients, you can make cholesterol-friendly pasta dishes. Try to steer clear of high-fat cheeses and meats. Instead, opt for low-fat and lean varieties.

Can diabetics eat multigrain bread? ›

Like with all breads, a multigrain bread made with whole grains is generally better for blood sugar than one made with refined grains.

Is rye bread better than multigrain? ›

Wholegrain Bread

While multigrain bread is white bread with grains mixed in, wholegrain has grains (and often seeds) added to wholemeal flour for extra nutritional value. Wholegrain breads (including rye and sourdough varieties) have up to four times the fibre of white breads, making them one of the healthiest options.

Is multigrain bread 100% whole grain? ›

Multigrain bread is different from whole-grain bread. Multigrain bread contains several different types of grains that may not be whole grains. Whole-grain bread contains every part of a grain kernel, which includes the germ, endosperm and the bran.

Is brown bread healthier than multigrain bread? ›

Another key difference is that though multigrain bread is made of multiple grains, none of them might be whole. Breads made of whole grain flour are healthier, rich in fibre and more nutritious, and hence, brown bread would be the healthier option here.

Are sunflowers healthy to eat? ›

Studies found that consumption of seeds — including sunflower seeds — was linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Sunflower seeds are a source of many vitamins and minerals that can support your immune system and increase your ability to fight off viruses.

How healthy is sunflower flour? ›

Benefits of sunflower seed flour

It's also nut-free, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and a good choice for vegan and plant-based diets. Made from sunflower seeds – this flour is an excellent source of polyunsaturated (healthy) fats and antioxidants that lower your risk of disease.

Is sunflower better for you than peanut butter? ›

Sunflower seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, zinc and iron, and are low in saturated fat. Sunflower butter contains almost four times as much vitamin E as peanut butter, and about twice as much iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.

Is sunflower seed bread good for diabetics? ›

Yes, sunflower seeds can be a healthy choice for diabetics due to their low glycemic index and rich content of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6310

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.