Sweet Accomplishments: Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Few things are more satisfying than baking bread.  This recipe is one of my favorites!

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

1/4 c. boiling water
2 T. honey
2 T. salted butter
1/4 c. milk
2 1/4 t. instant yeast  (saf-instant brand)
3/4 c. warm water (100-110 degrees)
1 1/4 c. sifted white flour
2 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1-2 T. olive oil

Add boiling water to honey and butter, stirring until dissolved.  Let cool until 100-110 degrees.

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in mixer bowl and mix just a few turns until dissolved.  Add milk mixture and start mixer on low.  Gradually add white flour, then 1 1/4 c. wheat flour.  Beating until smooth, about 2 minutes.  Gradually add remaining flour, finishing by hand, if necessary.  Turn out onto lightly floured board and allow to rest for 10 minutes.  Knead for 10 minutes, then turn in oiled bowl.  Let rise until double in size (about 1 hour).  Punch down while forming into a loaf, and fit into a prepared loaf pan.  Allow to rise until double again (about 30 minutes).  Preheat oven to 375 degrees during the last rise.  Loaf is done when it sounds hollow inside.  Remove from pan immediately and cool away from drafts.

Yield:  one loaf
Based on recipe from Blue Ribbon Recipes