Whole Wheat Bread

By dkanon

Ingredients

• 3 cups warm water, 110 degrees
• 1/2 oz active dry yeast
• 1/3 c honey
• 5 cups bread flour
• 3 T melted butter
• 1/3 c honey
• 1 t salt
• 3 1/2 cups wheat flour
• butter

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 c honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
Mix in 3 T melted butter, 1/3 c 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.
Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9x5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes, do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with butter when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely.