Whole Wheat Bread

BONNIE’S WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

   

     

This has got to be the all-time BEST and CHEAPEST whole wheat bread – EVER.                            

I got this recipe from my dear friend Bonnie.  She swears it is a recipe EVERY body should have because the 5 ingredients are staples in your Food Storage that have long shelf lives. 

Ingredients:

3 ¼ cups very warm water

2/3 c firmly packed brown sugar

4 tsp salt

8-10 c flour

2 large Tablespoons Yeast

 The 1st thing I do to make this bread even better is to grind my wheat.  Now I'm starting with FRESHLY GROUND WHOLE WHEAT THAT IS HOT AND SMELLS SOOOO GOOD.  

Directions:

·       In 4 cup measuring cup fill with very warm water. 

Sprinkle in yeast.

(I give my yeast a quick ½ stir, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the top)

·       While you are waiting for the yeast to activate in the water, sift together 4 cups of flour and the salt.  Add the brown sugar and stir til the sugar & flour are combined.

·       If you are using a Kitchen-Aid Mixer, put the dry ingredients into the bowl and turn on lowest setting for 30 seconds.  Turn the mixer to the next level (#2) & slowly and gradually add your yeast water. 

·       Add the next 3 cups of flour very slowly or it will fly out of the bowl.

·       Add the next 2 cups  by eyeballing the dough.  If it looks too wet, add 1 cups at a time.  If it looks too dry don’t add both cups. 

·       After about 10 minutes the dough should be smooth & elastic.

If you are kneading by hand, add all the ingredients together & knead for about 10 minutes.

·       Turn it out into a greased bowl.  Give it a quarter of a turn, then turn it upside down. 

·       Put a sheet of waxed paper over the top & then lay a dishtowel on top of the waxed paper.

When the dough is double in size, give it a good punch in the center.

·       Take it out of the bowl & divide it in half.  Flatten out each half with your palms until you’ve got all the air bubbles out.

·       Shape each half into a greased bread pan. 

·       Using a pastry brush, paint it with melted butter. 

When it has risen to above the top, put it in the oven & bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.  My oven runs hot, so you’ll have to go by how it smells & looks.  If you are in the other room & you suddenly can smell your bread & it is golden brown on the top, it is most likely done. 

Super yummy with a slab of butter & a dollop of honey.  Mmmm.