Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bread
This is one of my first attempts to make homemade bread without a bread machine. It worked! In the several years, since I posted this recipe, I have come a long way in learning how to bake bread. Honestly, now that I own a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, I don't find it necessary to have a bread machine (mine broke, actually). I think this is a good recipe for beginners, like I once was.
Servings 14 slices
Ingredients
- 1 .25-ounce package rapid rise yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water 110°F/45°C
- 1 can evaporated milk 12-fluid ounce can
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup warm water.
- Combine milk, 1/4 cup water, butter, honey, salt and wheat flour in food processor or bowl. Mix in yeast mixture, and let rest 15 minutes.
- Add white flour, and process until dough forms a ball.
- Knead dough by processing an additional 5 minutes, if using a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. Or mix and knead, by hand, 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. (Note: I use a dough bucket, with lid.)
- If you desire, I preheat the oven to 250°F for just a minute or two, then turn it off. This creates a warm area to help the dough to rise, if your kitchen is cold.
- Let dough rise for 45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
- Gently punch down, and divide dough in half.
- Roll out each half, and work out the bubbles.
- Form into loaves, and place in buttered 9x5 inch bread pans.
- Let rise in a warm area until doubled; second rise should take about 30 minutes.
- Place a small pan of water on the bottom shelf of the oven. (optional)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until tops are dark golden brown. Butter crusts while warm. Slice when cool.