2 .25 oz. packages Active Dry Yeast
3 cups Warm Water (110-F Degrees)
1/3 cup Honey
5 cups White Bread Flour
3 Tbs. Butter or Margarine
1/3 cup Honey
1 Tbs. Salt
2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 Tbs. Butter or Margarine; Melted (Optional)
Instructions:
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.
Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter or margarine, 1/3 cup honey, and
salt. Stir in 2 cups
whole wheat flour. Lightly flour a level surface with whole wheat
flour. Knead until
dough is not sticky, at least 8 to 10 minutes. Place whole wheat dough
in a greased bowl,
turning once to coat the entire surface. Cover with a clean dishtowel.
Let rise in a warm
place until doubled, usually at least an hour.
Punch down, and divide into 3 equal portions. Place one portion of
dough in a lightly
greased 9 by 5-inch loaf pan, and repeat the process in two additional
loaf pans. Allow to
rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch, again about an hour.
Bake whole wheat bread in a pre-heated 350-F degree oven for 25 to 30
minutes, making
sure not to over bake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2
tablespoons melted butter or
margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely
on a wire rack
after removing the loaf from the pan. Makes 3 loaves. Store in an air tight container.
May freeze for up to 3 months.
Kitchen Staff Tips: Successful bread making requires patience, and you
must give the
bread its due time in order to let the dough rise. After all the
ingredients have been
combined and the dough is going to be set aside to rise, you must place
it in a well-oiled
bowl, large enough to contain the dough when it has risen to twice its
original size. It's
imperative to turn the dough in the bowl, in order to oil the entire
surface. This is a
critical step in your preparation, as it prevents the dough from drying
out. Remember, the
yeast needs a warm, wet environment. Cover the bowl lightly with a
clean, damp kitchen
towel. Choose a warm spot for the rise, but not excessively warm. The
inside of a gas
oven with just the heat from the pilot light is a great spot. If baking
in an electric oven,
heat it to 80-F degrees, turn the oven off, and place the dough inside
to rise.
