Kittencal's Light Whole Wheat Bread

For me this is the best recipe whole wheat bread it has never failed me yet, I most always add in a couple tablespoons of yellow cornmeal, it gives the bread flavor and crunch, also for a savory flavor add in a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning and some garlic powder, this will make two smaller loaves or you can make one large loaf of bread and bake in a 9x5-inch bread pan

• Ready In: 3 hrs 25 mins
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 1  tablespoon dry yeast
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dry yeast (or use 2 packages yeast)
• 2  cups whole wheat bread flour
• 2  cups white flour (more as needed, US residents use white bread bread flour, Canadian residents can use all-purpose)

Directions

1. Grease two dark metal 8 x 4-inch loaf/bread pans.
2. Fit a heavy-duty stand mixer with kneader blade.
3. Place both flours into the stainless steel mixing bowl set aside.
4. Place 1/2 cup milk, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons salt and 2-1/2 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan; heat on top of the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly with a spoon until the sugar and salt is dissolved and the butter has melted (do not boil the milk and the butter does not have to be completely melted) remove and let cool until lukewarm (I place the saucepan in the fridge to speed up the cooling process).
5. When the milk has cooled to luke-warm pour into the mixing bowl with the flour; cover with a towel to keep the milk warm.
6. In a small cup or bowl mix the 2 teaspoons sugar with the warm water until dissolved.
7. Add in 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast and stir briefly.
8. Cover with a tea towel and proof the yeast for 8-10 minutes or until foamy.
9. After the yeast if proofed add into the bowl with the flour and the milk mixture. Start kneading adding in more flour a tablespoon at a time as needed to create a soft smooth semi-sticky dough.
10. Remove the dough to a lightly-floured surface and let rest covered with a clean tea towel for 5 minutes.
11. Gather up the dough and knead gently for about 15 seconds (the dough will come together nicely).
12. Generously oil a large glass or stainless steel bowl.
13. Place the dough in the bowl; turn to coat the dough with oil.
14. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled (it might take more or less time depending on the temperature of your kitchen).
15. Punch down the dough then slice into two equal pieces.
16. Place the dough onto a very lightly floured surface cover one pie with a clean tea towel.
17. Using your hands flatten/pat out one piece the dough to about 12x8-inches (does not have to be the exact size).
18. Roll up tightly then tuck the sides under to fit a 8x4-inch greased loaf pan.
19. Repeat with the remaining dough.
20. Cover with a clean tea towel in a warm place for about 30-35 minutes (depending on the temperature of your kitchen).
21. Set oven to 375°F.
22. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden dark brown.