Whole Wheat Bread

Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 6 ounces warm water
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 14 ounces warm water
• 4 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup vital wheat gluten
• 1/3 cup oat bran
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon salt

Recipe

• 1 make a "sponge":combine yeast, 6 ounces of warm water and 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
• 2 place mixture in a warm, draft-free place, and cover with plastic wrap.
• 3 allow to rise for 1 hour.
• 4 add 14 ounces of warm water and 2 cups of whole wheat flour. stir.
• 5 add vital wheat gluten, oil, honey & salt. stir.
• 6 place bowl on mixer with bread hook. add flour until dough forms a ball on the hook and isn't sticky to the touch.
• 7 knead on mixer for 10 minutes minimum, or 30 minutes by hand.
• 8 place dough in greased bowl and allow to rise, covered, for 1 hour. if you poke the dough, the hole should not fill up.
• 9 shape the dough into two loaves (or buns or whatever you're making).
• 10 cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise 1 hour in a warm, draft-free place.
• 11 bake at 350f for 35-40 minutes.