Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups warm water

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

1/3 cup honey

4 cups bread flour

3 tablespoons butter, melted

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 4 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 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour,slowly 1 cup at a time. 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 1 to 2 cups of whole wheat flour.Knead the flour for about 3-4 mins.Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a damp cloth to keep it moist. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.

3.Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. 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 preheated 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. Remove from the pan and let it cool on the wire rack. Cool completely.