Flax Seed Bread (Bread Machine)

I saw flax seed at the grocery and bought it without any idea of what to do with it. I found out that flax seed contributes fiber and omega-3s to the diet. Even better, it made this delightful, speckled loaf with a nutty flavor. Wonderful as is or toasted.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 18-22
• Yields: 1 1 1/2 lb. loaf

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 ounce active dry yeast (1 envelope)
• 1 1⁄4 cups warm water
• 3  tablespoons honey
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup flax seed meal (ground flax seed)
• 1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups bread flour
•  cornmeal

Directions

1. Place ingredients in your bread machine as directed by your manufacturer.
2. Set to dough cycle. Check the consistency after about 10 minutes - if it looks dry, add a little more water.
3. After initial rise, remove, shape in a large round loaf (or whatever you like), let rise again on a cornmeal dusted baking pan.
4. Preheat oven to 400 deg. If desired, brush loaf with an egg wash (one egg beaten with 1 tbl. cold water). Slash loaf with sharp knife. Place in oven. After 15 min., reduce temperature to 350 deg.
5. Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until loaf is done - an instant thermometer should read 205 deg.
6. Turn onto cooling rack and let cool.
7. Note: If using flax seed, 2/3 cups seed will grind into 1 cup flax meal.
8. Note2: If using egg wash, you may also sprinkle loaf with whole flax or poppy seeds.