Winter Projects - Baking Bread

One of the items on my list of Winter Projects included spending some time in the kitchen trying out recipes I've collected.  I specifically hoped to find a good bread recipe with 'good' being defined as - a novice bread baker like me can make it and it tastes good.  This weekend I was able to try one out and it is a definite keeper.  This bread turned out really well and is very tasty!

This recipe makes 3 loaves.  I made one as indicated in the recipe, turned one into Cinnamon Swirl Bread and froze the other one for another night.


Whole Wheat Bread

• 3 cups warm water (110 degrees)
• 2 pkgs or 4 1/2 tsps yeast
• 1/3 cup honey
• 5 cups bread flour
• 3 T butter, melted
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tsp salt
• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (I used white whole wheat)

In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast and 1/3 cup honey.  Add 5 cups bread flour and stir to combine.  Let set for 30 minutes or until big and bubbly.

Mix in 3 T melted butter, 1/3 cup honey and salt.  Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour.  Knead in enough additional flour to produce a firm, slightly sticky dough (may need 2-4 additional cups).  Place in a greased bowl, cover with a dishtowel, and let rise in a warm place 60 minutes or until doubled.

Punch down and divide into 3 loaves.  Place in greased loaf pans and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.  Remove from oven and run stick of butter over tops to prevent crust from becoming too hard.  Cool completely.

Original recipe from allrecipes.com

To make Cinnamon Swirl Bread:

• 2 T softened butter
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Before placing in loaf pans, roll dough into rectangle, spread 2 T softened butter over dough.  Combine brown sugar and cinnmon, sprinkle on top.  Roll up, tuck ends under and place into loaf pan.  Let rise and bake as normal.

 

I'm linking up with the Homestead Barn Hop at The Morris Tribe this week.  Stop by and see what other Homesteaders are up to!

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