My excitement over baking this week’s whole wheat bread was three-fold. First, I’ve avoided purchasing any bread knowing I’d have plenty once I made this recipe (two loaves worth). Second, I had a jar of Colonial Williamsburg strawberry preserves that I was eagerly waiting to spread over toast. And, third, I planned on making “vegan” whole wheat bread by substituting the honey with organic agave nectar!
The only other change I made was eliminating the malt extract because I couldn’t find any in the store. Still, the loaves turned out delicious. The agave nectar really brought out the sweetness of the whole wheat flour. And, I didn’t bother to wait until the loaves were cool before I dove into a mini loaf with my dinner. I was extremely pleased with this bread recipe and have yet to be disappointed by Dorie’s Baking with Julia cookbook. Probably because I’m more of a baker than a cook. At least according to my sisters!
To find the recipe for this whole wheat bread, head over to this week’s Tuesdays with Dorie: Baking with Julia hosts: Michele of Veggie Num Nums and Teresa of The Family That Bakes Together.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 07:22:53
I just never get my bread baking right. That looks excellent.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 07:23:25
I’ve really come to appreciate the sweetening powers of agave – nice substitution and lovely loaves.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 07:35:07
That is a beautiful loaf of bread. It must have been delicious with the jam.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 07:48:56
Looks PEFECT..for vegan..LOL!!! =)
Sep 18, 2012 @ 08:11:49
Yum! I want some of the jam
Your bread looks really good!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 08:22:27
Great rustic look…I too, enjoyed this bread…
Carmen
Sep 18, 2012 @ 08:36:27
I have been trying to find malt extract too. I think I am going to have to order it from King Arthur. They look great!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 08:53:32
Wow, you bread looks perfect and I love that you made it vegan by using the agave. I bet the strawberry preserves were tasty on there, too.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 08:59:35
Look at your bread! It’s great. Would you mind sending me over a slice of your delicious bread & strawberry?
I had once malt extract (kind of molasses) in my paintry, used it up and forgot about it. Now I use malt extract in powder. I cannot tell if the bread would taste different without it, all I know is that it rises wonderfully.
The problems I had sometimes ago “is it done or not?” has been solved thanks to this great book: the termomether! I’ve been using this trick for every bread I’ve been making and been so happy: no more doubts and excellent results.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 09:02:49
I love the idea of using the agave nectar and I am going to try that on my next loaves. You bread looks amazing. You have captured the picture that makes me want to just reach over and pick up a slice of bread (and pop it into my mouth). Well done! Catherine
Sep 18, 2012 @ 09:21:48
When it comes to association, fresh baked bread makes me feel so much like I’m at home! But usually comfort food comes with a side of belly pain because its full of dairy. Not this one – psyched!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 09:24:25
I’m just imagining tearing that loaf apart and smearing bread.. I wish I had a loaf!!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 09:28:45
I still need to attempt to make vegan bread, I have been wanting to for sure:-) Your bread looks gorgeous, and perfect paired with the preserves! Hugs, Terra
Sep 18, 2012 @ 09:51:50
That crumb looks great. I didn’t know vegans wouldn’t eat honey. I’m looking forward to making this recipe once I get my stuff back (it’s my constant refrain these days.)
Sep 18, 2012 @ 09:53:57
This looks so good! I am definitely going to have to try this! Thank you.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 10:10:24
I love bread and in the last two years I’ve taken to baking bread fairly often. There is nothing better for a good, wholesome comfort food! Right now our triple digit heat discourages the effort, but I pinned the recipe to my Pinterest board so I won’t lose it! It sounds, and looks great!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 10:30:07
Looks delicious–I can never wait for bread too cool. Nothing better than a warm slice of homemade bread. Beautiful.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 10:32:56
Hi,
Your bread looks so perfect! Would love a slice with a cup of tea!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 10:59:23
Fabulous bread, I’ve been looking for a good vegan recipe. Well done.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 11:29:30
Looks like a gorgeous loaf! the texture is perfect…you’re making me want to bake some bread!!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 11:43:23
Wonderful! We liked this one a lot, too.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 12:07:08
LOL, I dont think we in the FFWD group think you are more of a baker than a cook, or vice versa! I think you’re equally rounded in the kitchen!
Great job! This one is going to be a make up recipe for me! Lately I forget that I meant to make the FFWD or TWD recipe until the LYL goes up! DOH! 
Sep 18, 2012 @ 12:19:54
Nothing like homemade bread — now that the weather is turning colder I will feel like baking.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 12:59:14
Of course you must break into the home baked bread while still warm!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 13:01:52
Love the look of this hearty, rustic loaf and I greatly admire the patience of bread makers!
.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 13:02:54
Beautifully done! And there’s no better treat than homemade bread fresh from the oven!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 13:26:32
Nothing can replace homemade bread! The taste and smell are superb!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 13:26:35
Lovely! I grew up near Williamsburg, by the way.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 14:32:26
Your bread looks stunning
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Sep 18, 2012 @ 15:20:59
Looks great! Those preserves sound wonderful!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 16:27:53
such a lovely color. toast + jam is a favorite afterwork snack of mine.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 18:00:09
There is nothing like fresh out of the oven home made bread.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 18:16:59
I love this vegan bread.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 18:25:08
Looks delicious…loved Colonial Williamsburg!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 19:44:56
Wow, I guess I would never have considered honey not vegan? It is made by bees- true- but from flowers & pollen? Anyway, I love that agave nectar & use it often. It looks beautiful!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 20:38:04
I need to head over and get this recipe. I made my first loaf of bread ever last week and now I’m hooked! Mind you the version I made came together in less than five minutes (no kneading), so I may have the wrong idea!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 21:00:08
I’m beginning to think I’m neither a cook or a baker. I’ve yet to attempt a bread recipe like this one. I can “hear” your excitement when it comes to baking Yummy and I must admit, it sure is contagious!!!
Thank you so much for sharing. Your bread looks heavenly:)
Sep 18, 2012 @ 21:35:53
The addition of agave nectar sounds wonderful.
Sep 18, 2012 @ 21:40:01
Your loaves look great!
Sep 18, 2012 @ 22:19:35
Your bread looks delicious:) I love homemade bread. I need to check the blogs for the recipe. Thanks for sharing:)
Sep 18, 2012 @ 23:32:21
There is nothing more satisfying than a fresh home baked bread. I’ll have to give it a try. Actually I bought the bread flour that has 12 grains in it. Would this recipe work?
Sep 19, 2012 @ 01:08:49
Wow this bread looks even better than store-bought bread! Great job
Sep 19, 2012 @ 03:27:39
what a gorgeous loaf! waking up to freshly baked loaf is the best thing ever!
Sep 19, 2012 @ 04:27:28
I’m searching for some good recipes for a bread since a year now. I have quite a few. Will try out yours as well
looks delish!
Sep 19, 2012 @ 05:52:04
Love fresh bread out of the oven! Looks gorgeous!
Sep 19, 2012 @ 07:06:21
Wasn’t this delicious bread? I was very pleased.
Sep 19, 2012 @ 09:24:15
Lovely bread! Sounds good with the strawberrry preserves!
Sep 19, 2012 @ 19:41:39
homemade bread is one of my all-time favorite things to eat! i would take it over dessert!
Sep 19, 2012 @ 22:31:25
Now this bread sounds like something I’d love to make and it looks like something I know I’d love to eat!
Sep 20, 2012 @ 00:32:42
Yum, this looks fantastic…there’s nothing like homemade bread, especially with really good preserves!
Sep 20, 2012 @ 00:46:09
Nothing can top bread baked at home!! Looks fantastic!
Sep 20, 2012 @ 00:47:23
The texture of that bread looks perfect, bet it was great with the jam. I agree with Sammie, there’s nothing like it and the smell baking bread creates in the whole house – delicious
Sep 20, 2012 @ 01:24:08
Mmmm freshly-baked bread!
Sep 20, 2012 @ 01:27:37
Please send some over for breakfast! I did not know that honey was not vegan so thanks for teaching me something new
Sep 20, 2012 @ 05:49:19
argh I am jealous now. Your bread looks incredible! my dad would go nuts and would finish it all off with his butter and lard. lol
Maybe I ll manage to come up with something that comes close to your quality in the future.
Sep 20, 2012 @ 07:00:00
the bread looks just fabulous, I love that you used agave nectar – I wish I could bake bread – but it’s always a disaster!! So enjoyed envying yours!!
mary x
Sep 20, 2012 @ 07:00:03
yummy, I haven’t done much baking with yeast so my bread making is slim, but I am taking a class on this subject very soon 9.29 and will be making Artisan Bread at a local 19th century village close to my home. Can’t wait………….andi
Sep 20, 2012 @ 11:35:26
This looks so delicious. I love baking breads in the Fall and I’m definitely making this one this weekend.
Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights
Sep 20, 2012 @ 12:32:27
Your bread looks great, and I’m glad it worked with the substitutions. I love baking and cooking, but if I had to choose one, my heart goes with baking!
Sep 20, 2012 @ 13:51:45
what a gorgeous loaf of bread, sounds super delicious!
Sep 20, 2012 @ 15:46:05
looks great and can’t beat bread and jam a fav in our house
Sep 20, 2012 @ 18:13:53
Nice close up. Yours look great.
Sep 20, 2012 @ 19:49:30
This is definitely a solid looking loaf and I bet the Agave really does help impart a delicate sweetness
Sep 20, 2012 @ 20:55:03
It looks perfect! You are the vegan queen lately! I need to try agave next time, I guess, my flavor was lacking but I didn’t have malt extract either.
Sep 21, 2012 @ 02:55:18
The bread looks absolutely beautiful! I wish I can bake bread like you!
Sep 21, 2012 @ 14:13:38
Great idea, the agave!
Sep 21, 2012 @ 14:32:19
Beautiful loaf of bread and I like that you showed how it’s like inside! Perfect look inside!
Sep 21, 2012 @ 17:04:48
Your bread came out perfectly! Nice crust.
Sep 23, 2012 @ 08:12:40
Gorgeous looking bread…perfectly done!
Oct 05, 2012 @ 15:57:57
All your recipes look so gooooood!!! I love whole wheat bread and can’t wait to try this!