Basic Whole Wheat Bread

This is a delicious basic bread recipe. We use this for our everyday sandwich bread. Prep time includes rising time.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 40 mins
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 2  cups  very warm water
• 1  tablespoon active dry yeast (I use SAF instant)
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 1⁄3 cup honey
• 1⁄3 cup light olive oil
• 1⁄8 teaspoon  vitamin C powder (it helps the bread to rise better) (optional)
• 6  cups whole wheat flour (may be a little more or less)

Directions

1. Proof yeast by mixing with 1Tablespoon honey and 1/4 cup warm water in a glass measuring cup.
2. Set aside and allow to stand until it bubbles up.
3. 5-10 minutes.
4. If using instant yeast, skip this step and mix yeast in with dry ingredients.
5. In a large mixing bowl blend together water, salt, honey, oil and vitamin C powder.
6. Add 3 cups of the flour and the yeast mixture.
7. Mix thoroughly.
8. Add in as much of the remaining flour as you can stir in.
9. Then turn out onto a board and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
10. Try not to add too much more than the 6 cups called for in the recipe.
11. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size.
12. About 1-1/2 hours.
13. Punch down, divide in half and shape into two loaves.
14. Place in oiled pans, cover and let rise until doubled.
15. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
16. Turn out of pans and let cool on a rack.
17. Enjoy!
18. You can also use 1/2 whole wheat flour and 1/2 unbleached flour if you prefer.