Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Once the yeast is activated, add it to the dry ingredients along with the vegetable oil or melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the Loaf:
   • Punch down the risen dough, turn it out onto a floured surface, and shape it into a loaf.
7. Second Rise:
   • Place the shaped loaf in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
8. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
9. Bake:
   • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Cool:
    • Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.