Homemade Whole Wheat Bread recipe

Makes 5 loaves

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup warm water
3 (0.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 cups oats (any kind you have)
4 1/2 cups warm water (110-115F)
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
2/3 cup honey
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
12 cups plus 1/4 cup whole wheat flour


DIRECTIONS:

1. In the mixing bowl stir together 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 cup wheat flour, and yeast. Let grow for about 5 minutes.

2. Measure oats, 4 1/2 cups warm water, whole wheat flour, salt, 2/3 cup honey, and 2/3 cup oil into the mixing bowl. Mix them for 1 to 2 minutes. Then begin adding the rest of the whole wheat flour, 1/2 to 1 cup at a time until dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Humidity determines how much flour you need before the bread pulls away from the edge of the bowl. It is normal for the dough to be sticky.
3. Place dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Divide dough into 5 pieces. Shape loaves, and place in greased pans. Let rise until dough is 1 inch above rim of pans, usually 1 hour.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C) for 35 minutes, or until tops are browned. Turn them out onto wire racks to cool.


Araksya's Tip: I grind my own wheat to make the flour for this bread. You can also add sesame seeds and other nuts to this recipe.