Simple Whole Wheat Bread

Simple.

Don't let that deter you from trying this fantastic bread.

I love to cook, but baking is where my joy truly lies. I make bread all of the time and my kids have been raised on white bread - but I am trying to diversify my usual repertoire. I want to try and include more whole grains, but I've had a hard time finding a recipe

that didn't turn out H-E-A-V-Y.

I've been searching

for a whole wheat bread recipe that my entire family would enjoy.

After 3 failed attempts I struck gold with this one!

It is light and soft and yummy all over.

Here's the run-down:

It makes 3 perfect sized loaves

Let them rise until they peek 1 inch over the top of the pan

Bake - and then brush generously with melted butter.
No margarine people...never margarine.

Slice and enjoy.

This is literally what was left - 10 minutes after they came
out of the oven. My kids LOVED it!

Simple Whole Wheat Bread:

3 c. warm water
2 pkg. yeast
1/3 c. honey
5 c. all-purpose flour
3 T. butter, melted
1/3 c. honey
1 T. salt (very important, don't skimp)
3 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
2 T. butter, melted

In a large bowl combine warm water, yeast and 1/3 c. honey. Add 5 c. all-purpose flour & let it stand for 30 minutes. It will be big and bubbly (if it's not then your yeast has seen better days.)

Mix in the remaining 1/3 c. honey, salt and 3 T. melted butter. Start adding the whole wheat flour 1 cup at a time. Mine took the entire 3 1/2 cups, but yours may take slightly less or slightly more. Mix until it is no longer sticky.

Cover and let it rise until it is doubled.

Divide into thirds and knead it briefly while you shape your loaves.
Put each loaf into a greased 9x5 inch bread pan.

Cover and let rise again until the bread peeks out of the pan - 1 inch.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Bon Appetit!