Whole Wheat Bread

There is nothing I like better than bread hot from the oven...that scripture about men not being able to live on bread alone...I don't know :) Anyway, a couple notes - I use SAF yeast - it is the only way to go. You don't have to do that proofing business with water...just add the yeast after you have added some of the flour so it isn't quite so hot anymore. I heat my water in the microwave so it is really hot and then start. It makes the rising time quick too, since your bread dough is warm.

2/3 c. oil
2/3 c. honey
5 1/2 c. hot water
2 T. salt
1/3 c. gluten
2 T. dough enhancer
about 12 c. flour (I like about 3/4 white wheat flour and 1/4 regular white flour)
3 T. instant yeast

Mix first 6 ingredients with about 6 cups of the flour. Add the yeast. Add remaining flour - increasing speed on the mixer as the dough gets thicker - until sides of the bowl are clean. Knead for 5-7 minutes.

Turn out onto flour covered surface. Divide dough into 5 pieces (maybe 4 or maybe 6 depending on the size of your bread pans). Knead 1 or 2 times and punch out dough into a rectangle and roll up tightly. Pinch seam together and put into greased bread pans. Rub top surface with a small amount of shortening or spray with Pam. (I think this is a very important step so you have really 'pretty' loaves of bread that don't crack.) Let rise for about 1 hour or until about 1" above the rim of the pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes (I sometimes have to cook it upto 30 minutes) or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.