A great old-fashioned bread like Grandma used to bake!
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup cracked wheat fine
1 1/2 cup boiling water
1 pkg active dry yeast
1/3 cup warm water, about 100-110 deg
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp honey
1 cup milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
4 cup all purpose flour
STEP BY STEP:
Preheat oven to 375 degree.
Cook the cracked wheat in the boiling water about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking until all the water is absorbed
Dissolve the yeast in the 1/3 cup lukewarm water in a large mixing bowl and let proof. Stir the butter, salt, molasses, honey, and milk into the cooked cracked wheat
Cool to lukewarm, then add to the yeast mixture. With a large spoon or with one hand, start stirring in the flours, 1 cup at a time
When the dough is stiff enough to work, turn out on a floured board and knead a good 10 to 12 minutes, working in a little of the remaining flour as necessary
When smooth and elastic, shape into a ball and put in a buttered bowl, turning to coat with butter
Cover, place in a warm, draft-free spot, and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
Punch down and shape into two loaves
Put in well-buttered 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans, cover, and let rise again until doubled in bulk, or until the dough reaches the tops of the pans
Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven 30 to 35 minutes, or until the loaves sound hollow when tapped on top and bottom.
