Whole Wheat French Bread

By hazelljbmh

author - emihill - note: You can also use this recipe in your bread machine. Simply add the ingredients in the order indicated by the manufacturer and set it on the dough cycle. After it was ready, all I did was punch down the dough and then follow the recipe starting with rolling it into an oblong shape.

Ingredients

• 1 T yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 3 T olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups whole wheat flour*
• 2 cups white flour

Details

Adapted from blogcritics.org

Preparation

Step 1

Dissolve yeast in water and add a pinch of sugar. Let rest about 5 minutes or until it begins to foam. Stir in salt, oil and half of the flour.
Gradually add remaining flour, mixing well. Knead 8 to 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl and let rise until double in size (about 1/2 to 1 hour).
Punch dough down and let rise again until double in size (about 1/2 to 1 hour).
Punch down a third time. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough into an oblong shape and then roll up, starting on the longest side. Pinch to seal, forming a long, thin loaf.
Place on a greased cookie sheet and cut the top of the dough with a sharp knife diagonally 3 to 5 times. Brush with egg whites and let raise till double again (about 1 hour).
Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Use within one day or double wrap and freeze.