One of the best ways to introduce children to new foods is to have them help make it. Baking bread is a good way to introduce children to whole wheat bread instead of white bread.
Bread in a Bag is a combination of both 100% whole wheat flour and white flour. When you are making the recipe with children, show them how the 100% whole wheat flour is darker than white flour. Discuss that the 100% whole wheat flour has good things in it to help them grow.
Making Bread in a Bag is a fun activity for parents to do with children when it is too stormy to go outside or for a fun activity over holiday break. Teachers can also use the activity in their classroom if they have access to an oven.
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension has a helpful teacher’s guide for bread in the bag. It contains lesson plan ideas including a detailed guide to have children make their own bread in a bag.
Here is what you need to make Bread in a Bag
- 2 cups white flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons powdered milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup water (warm, 120 to 130 degrees F)
- Extra whole wheat flour as needed for kneading
Directions
1. Combine flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, sugar, salt and powdered milk in a one gallon resealable freezer bag. Squeeze upper part of bag to force out air and seal bag. Shake and work bag with fingers to blend ingredients.
2. Add oil and warm water to dry ingredients. Reseal bag. Mix by working bag with fingers until dough is completely mixed and pulls away from bag.
3. On a floured surface, knead dough 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed. Put dough back into bag and let it rest 10 minutes.
4. Shape dough on greased baking sheet or put into a 4 inch x 8 inch greased loaf pan. Cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in bulk.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. (May take between 25 and 45 minutes to bake).
6. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack or clean dish towel.
Everyone will enjoy the aroma of the bread baking and they are sure to enjoy the taste of the homemade bread. Happy baking and happy holidays!
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Mary Schroeder works for the University of Minnesota Extension which helps to connect community needs with University of Minnesota resources. Specifically the Health and Nutrition programs and resources focus on disease & obesity prevention, healthy school environments, and continuing education for community professionals. You can link to the Extension Health and Nutrition website at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/health/
Mary Schroeder, MPH, RD, LD
Extension Educator
Health and Nutrition
University of Minnesota Extension
Email: hedin007@umn.edu
Website: www.extension.umn.edu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMNExtSimplyGoodEating