Recipe For Cooking Whole Grain Bread

Toast Oven Breads :: Sweet and Savory Yeast Breads

Whole Grain Bread

2 pkg. dry yeast
3 C. lukewarm water, divided
1 tea. honey
1/3 C. oil
1/4 C. molasses
1 Tbsp. salt
2 C. wheat germ
7 C. whole wheat flour, divided
1 egg, beaten (optional)
1/4 tea. water (optional)
Sesame seeds, toasted (optional)

Dissolve yeast in 1 C. water (warmed to 105 degrees F) to which honey has been added. Let soak 5 to 10 min. Mix oil, molasses and remaining warmed water. Stir in salt and wheat germ. Combine yeast and molasses mixtures. Mix in 3 1/2 C. whole wheat flour; then mix in 3 more C., blending as well as possible. Turn dough onto board and, using the remaining 1/2 C. flour, knead dough until it is smooth and springy (about 12 min.). Put dough into oiled bowl, turning it in order to oil the surface. Cover with a towel and allow to rise until doubled in bulk (about 1 1/2 hr.).

Punch dough down and let it rest for about 20 min. Knead dough about 5 min. more; then divide it into 2 loaves. Place in two well-oiled bread pans. If desired, brush tops with beaten egg, to which water has been added, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let rise until loaves are well rounded and high in pans (about 1 hr.).

Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for 1 hr. or until bread tests done. Remove from pans. Cool on rack. To serve, slice thin, and spread with butter. This is a very filling bread.