Little Red Hen

One of my favorite things to make these days is home made bread. I love the smell of it while I'm making it, getting to eat it hot and fresh out of the oven, and then getting to eat it for days after. I've also loved that it is whole wheat bread. Healthy and delicious.

Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients

3 cups warm water
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/3 cup honey
5 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted 

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
2. Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.
3. Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves (I've found that it more evenly makes 4). Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely

 Ideas:

• The last time I made this I greased the pans and then lined with cornmeal - I LOVED it!
• My favorite thing to do with the bread (especially a few days after it is made and isn't quite as fresh) is French Toast - yes, I like mine with sugar not syrup
•  Just enjoy the smell and taste of homemade bread!