Homemade Wheat Bread

There is something about homemade bread that makes me feel young again.  It reminds me so much of my childhood.  I remember watching my mom bake early in the mornings.  She taught me almost everything I know about baking and cooking.    She is a wonderful teacher and has always been a great example to me!   

It has been about three months since I bought bread from a store.  I love knowing that I am getting all healthy ingredients with no preservatives.  I have tried several recipes and this is my favorite so far.  It is soft and holds together great.  I put some white flour in it but you can definitely do all wheat!  If you are scared to try it don't be, who can resist the smell of the house when fresh baked bread is in the oven. 

Whole Wheat Bread (Makes 5 loaves.  Bake 350 degrees for 30-35 min.)

Into your mixer, put :

5 cups warm water

1/2 cup honey

1 Tbls. liquid Lecithin (avoid getting on hands) You can just pour it from the bottle.  Lecithin can be found at your local health food store.

1 cup powdered milk

1/3 cup gluten 

Turn mixer on and off several times till mixed up a little 

Then add:

6 cups whole wheat flour 

2 Tbls. instant yeast 

Mix well

Let sit for 20-30 min. until a nice sponge has developed

Then, add:

1/2 cup oil

2 Tbls. salt

6 more cups of flour (4c. wheat and 2c. white)

Mix until mixture pulls away from bowl (about 7 min.).  It should

be slightly sticky

Grease large bowl and put dough into it, turning over once to coat.

Cover  with towel and let raise for 1-1 1/2 hrs.    Punch down and

divide into 5 loaves. 

To roll out bread: Lightly grease counter top. Stretch dough lightly

and roll out lengthwise.  Roll up tight, tuck ends under.  Place in

greased pan upside down, then turn right side up.  Cover with towel 

and raise for 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. (1" above pans) then bake until nicely

browned on middle rack.  Cool on racks (I butter the tops of bread

while hot.)