Whole Wheat Bread
2 large loaves/3 small loaves

This bread recipe has three steps so I will be writing it in those steps. If you follow the recipe this bread will always come out beautifully.

Step one
2 cups warm water
1 package active dry yeast

Combine these two in the bowl of an electric mixer and let them sit until the yeast starts to bubble.

Add
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
4 cups all purpose flour(Sometimes I use 3 and increase the amount of whole wheat in the next step)

Using the dough hook,mix together until you get a loose dough. Scrape the sides and mix a little longer.
Cover and let grow for 1 hour.

Step Two
This step begins while the dough is resting.

Combine
½ cup boiling water
½ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons shortening(you can use butter, but the bread gets stale a little quicker)
I combine them in a glass measuring cup about 30 minutes into the rise time in step one. This gives the boiling water time to melt the sugar and shortening and then cool.

Once the dough has risen for an hour, turn on your mixer. Add the water/sugar/shortening mixture.

Add around 4 cups whole wheat four. Start with 2 cups and slowly add more until the dough cleans the bowl. Let the dough mix for a bit so you dont have to hand knead as long.

Dump out on a floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and stretchy. Oil the bowl of your mixer and return the dough to it. Flip the dough over to oil the top, cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Step three

 Grease your loaf pans.

Dump the dough onto the counter and knead it a few times. Cut the dough into how many loaves you are making, form into balls cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Flatten a portion of dough into a large rectangle. At this point you can choose to the leave the loaves plain or add flavors. If your going to leave the loaves plain, roll the rectangles tightly, making sure to pop any large air bubbles as you go. If you want to make flavored loaves sprinkle the rectangle with what ever you like. Cinnamon Raisin is the usual in my house, most dried fruits work fine, cheese is also a yummy choice, then just roll the same as you would a plain loaf.

Cover the loaves and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Bake the loaves for 50 minutes.
Let them cool for about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and butter the tops. Allow to cool completely before slicing.