A Really Great Bread Recipe

Honey Wheat Bread

1 1/2 package rapid rise yeast

1 teaspoon white sugar

1/2 cup warm water
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (sometimes I use fresh)

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup melted shortening or margarine

1/4 cup honey

2 teaspoons salt

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (freshly ground is divine!)

2 1/2 cups bread flour (or plain white)

2 tablespoons butter for tops of bread

Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup warm water. Combine milk, 1/4 cup water, shortening, 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 80 seconds in food processor, or mix and knead by hand 10 minutes. Place the dough in a buttered bowl, and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rise for 45 minutes, or until almost doubled. Punch down, and divide dough in half. Roll out each half, and pound out the bubbles. Form into loaves, and place in buttered 9x5 inch bread pans. Butter the tops of the dough, and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm area until doubled; second rise should take about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until tops are dark golden brown. Butter crusts while warm. Slice when cool.

I've made this bread lots times and it has turned out perfect everytime. I have tweaked it a little sometimes and added 1/2-1 cup "extras" like: flax seeds, steel cut oats, wheat germ, nuts etc just to pump up the nutrition & heartiness.

Serve this for dinner with some homemade soup, make grilled cheese with it for lunch, or for breakfast toast to go with your egg.

This recipe is a keeper.