FLUFFY WHOLE-WHEAT BREAD

FLUFFY WHOLE-WHEAT BREAD image

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups white flour
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp salt
5 tsp active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups lukewarm water
2-3 TBS honey
3 TBS canola oil
1/2 cup wheat germ, rolled oats or oat bran
sesame seeds (optional)
milk, for glazing

Steps:

1. Combine the flour and salt in a bowl and place in a low oven for about 15 minutes (150-170 degrees) 2. Meanwhile, combine the yeast with 3/4 cup of the water in a small bowl and leave to dissolve for at least 15 minutes. 3. Make a well in the center of the flour. Pour in the yeast mixture, the remaining water, honey, oil, and wheat germ (or oats/oat bran). With a wooden spoon, stir from the center until smooth. The dough should be fairly moist and sticky. 4. Remove the dough and use your hands to form into a loaf shape. You may need to knead it a couple times on a lightly floured surface to get it into shape. If not, place directly into an oiled loaf pan. 5. Cover the dough with a plastic bag and leave in a warm place to rise for 1hr 15 mins to 1hr30 mins. Dough will be about 1 inch above pan. 6. Preheat over to 390. 7. Brush surface of dough with milk and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top. 8. Bake for 29 minutes on center rack of oven. 9. When finished the bottom of pan sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a rack.