Making bread at home was all the rage during the 1970s when plain bread was considered out of style. After years of bleaching flour, milling companies began marketing some unbleached products. Sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and other seeds or nuts were stirred into dough for flavor and nutrition. This yeast bread recipe has citrus flavor and sunflower seeds for fresh taste and texture.

Ingredients

• 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel (set aside)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2/3 cup shelled sunflower seeds
• Melted margarine or butter (optional)
• Honey (optional)

Directions

• In a large mixing bowl combine 1-1/2 cups of the flour and the yeast.
• In a small saucepan heat and stir milk, sugar, the 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, and the salt just until warm (120 degree F to 130 degree F) and margarine almost melts. Add to dry mixture in mixing bowl; add egg and orange juice. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping side of bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in sunflower seeds, orange peel, and as much of the remaining flour as you can.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface of dough. Cover; let rise in warm place until double in size (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours).
• Punch dough down. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, grease an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan. Shape dough into loaf; place in prepared pan. Cover; let rise in warm place until double in size (30 to 45 minutes). If desired, brush top with melted margarine or butter.
• Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped. If necessary, cover with foil the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning. Immediately remove from pan. Cool on wire rack. If desired, serve with honey. Makes 1 loaf (16 servings).

Nutrition Facts

• Calories 161, Total Fat 5 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 14 mg, Sodium 92 mg, Carbohydrate 24 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g.
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet