Finn Bread in Honor of Bertha Maki & Aili Nevala

At every celebration there was always a round loaf or two of this bread. My Finnish "Aunt Bertha" and then Aili always provided this sustaining wonder. It is very filling and makes wonderful toast!

• Ready In: 1 hr 50 mins
• Serves: 48
• Yields: 6 loaves

Ingredients

• Yeast Mixture

• 2 1⁄4 ounces  fleischmann's fast rising yeast
• 3⁄4 cup warm water
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar or 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Splenda sugar substitute

• Batter Mixture

• 6  cups warm water
• 1  cup  cracked wheat flour
• 1  cup whole wheat flour
• 1⁄3 cup brown sugar or 1⁄3 cup  Splenda brown sugar blend
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup  warm milk

• Dough Mixture

• 6 -6 1⁄2 cups white flour
• 1  tablespoon margarine
•  Pam cooking spray

Directions

1. Make yeast mixture in a large glass bowl.
2. The sugar will "proof" the yeast. It will bubble. Stir a few times to make sure it is all dissolved.
3. In a very large bowl, mix the batter mixture and add the yeast mixture to it.
4. Stir and mix well.
5. To make the dough add flour 1 cup at a time and mix inches The dough should be stiff and not stick to your hands. Note: This may take more flour than is stated. Depends on where you live and your altitude. Make sure the dough is stiff.
6. Rub 1 tbsp margarine inside a large bowl; place dough in bowl, cover with a moist warm cloth and let rise until double. It takes about 1 hour. Do not put in a draft or cold kitchen.
7. Punch down and let rest for about 10 minutes.
8. Spray Pam into round cake pans. This makes 6 round loafs. Cut the dough into 6 equal portions. Form round loafs with your hands.
9. Place in the cake pans. Prick with a fork across the top of the dough about 4 times.
10. Let set 15 to 20 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 375°F.
12. Bake about 35 minutes. Until the round loaves are light brown and tops are firm.
13. Option: You may brush the tops of the loaves with an egg wash which is one beaten egg and 1 tsp water after the bread has cooked for about 25 minutes.
14. When cool, this bread can be double wrapped and frozen.