Whole Wheat Loaves

My family loves homemade bread.  Last night I made Round Whole Wheat Loaves for dinner.  Everyone loves the recipe and it is very easy to make.  Sometimes I don't have a lot of time to waite for the dough to rise so while I'm cooking something in the oven like a roast, chicken, etc... I just put the bowl of dough on top of the oven and it cuts down the rising time by half.  They are fun to make and delicious.  Homemade food really lifts the feeling in our home and I feel that my kids are more grateful for the time I've taken to prepare it.

Round Whole Wheat Loaves

4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast

3/4 c. warm water

1 c. warm milk

3/4 c. shortening

1/2 c. honey

2 tsp. salt

3 eggs

1 tsp. butter, melted

1) In a large bowl, combine the flours; set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.  Add milk, shortening, honey, salt and eggs.  Beat in half of the flour mixture until smooth.  Stir in enough remaining flour mixture to form a soft dough.

2)Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 min.  Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hr.

3)  Punch dough down.  Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half.  Shape into round loaves.  Place each loaf on a greased baking sheet.  Cover and let rise until doubled, about 35 min.

4) With a sharp knife, make a deep x on top of each loaf.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30-3min. or until golden brown.  Remove from pans to wire racks; brush with butter.  Cool completely. 

Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices)