Wonderful Whole Wheat Bread

Here's one that I clipped from Midwest Living many years ago. My family loves it. Estimated time includes mixing, rising, shaping and baking. A labor of love - and great therapy!

• Ready In: 4 hrs
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 2 (1/4ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 2  cups warm water (110F)
• 1⁄4 cup butter, melted
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 3 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1⁄3 cup honey
• 3 -3 1⁄2 cups unbleached flour

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and water; stir to dissolve yeast.
2. Stir in the melted butter and salt.
3. Add the whole wheat flour and mix well.
4. Let stand for 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in the honey.
6. Stir in as much unbleached flour as you can.
7. Turn dough out onto a floured surface.
8. Knead enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough that's smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes).
9. Place the dough in a greased bowl.
10. Cover; let rise until double in size (1 1/4 hours).
11. Punch down dough; let rise again until almost double (about 45 minutes).
12. Divide dough; shape into two loaves and place in two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
13. Cover; let rise until nearly double and center is rounded (45 minutes).
14. Bake in a 350F oven for 30 minutes then COVER WITH FOIL if necessary to prevent browning.
15. Continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes more or until done.
16. Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.
17. While warm, you may brush loaves with melted butter.