Step 1: Prepare yeast mix.  In a bowl add sugar to 1 cup of hot tap water and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top.  Let sit for approx 10mins, then stir.  I do this step first so the yeast is preparing while I complete step 2.

Step 1 ingredients:
-1 cup of hot water (run hot from the tap)
-2 teaspoons sugar
-2 envelops of active dry yeast

Step 2: Set a pot on the stove and set to medium.  Add all ingredients to the pot and stir until the shortening melts and all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.  Pour contents of pot in a large mixing bowl and add 2 1/4 cups of water.  Mix thoroughly and then add Step 1 yeast mix and keep stirring until all ingredients are mixed well.

Step 2 ingredients:
-1.5 cups of milk (I use 1% milk)
-Half cup lightly packed brown sugar
-2 tablespoons of salt
-Half cup shortening

Step 3: Beat in 6 cups of whole wheat flour and once fully mixed, gradually beat in 6 to 6 1/2 cups of white flour until desired consistency.  Work in last of flour with a rotating motion of the hand.  Turn dough onto a floured sufrace and knead for about 8 mins... homemade bread is all in the kneading process.  Shape into a ball and place in a large greased mixing bowl. Rotate the dough in the greased mixing bowl to ensure the entire ball is covered.  Cover with damp cloth and let rise for approx 1 1/4 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, punch down and shape into 4 loaves or I like to make 16 mini loaves and 1 regular loaf.  Place the shaped loaves in the baking pans, cover with damp cloth and let rise again for approx an hour.

Bake in preheated 400F oven for about 30 to 35 mins.

That's about it... I haven't tried it yet but you can substitute the brown sugar with 1/2 cup of molasses which would make you Molasses Whole Wheat Bread.  I'll try this change some day soon and share the results.  I'd love to hear what other breads people are making or how they make their whole wheat bread.Similar Posts:

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Post from: Sustainable Urban Homestead

Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Recipe