Ingredients
Instructions
- In the bowl of your electric mixer (I use a KitchenAid ) dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, honey, oil, salt and eggs. Mix until blended.
- Add 2 1/2 cups of the flour and beat for 3 to 4 minutes. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a warm towel and allow sponge to rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 30 minutes.
- Mix in remaining flour reserving 1/2 C for kneading. At this point you may add the softened cracked wheat if desired. This may seem a little stickier than you may be used to but as long as your fingers don't stick in the dough you have the right amount of flour.
- Turn out onto floured board or counter top or use the dough hook from your mixer. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until elastic and smooth.
- Put in a large buttered bowl and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk.
- Punch dough down. On lightly floured board or counter top divide into 3 equal portions. Shape into loaves and place in buttered loaf pans approximately 8" X 4".
- Cover and let rise for the third time until doubled in bulk.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes. The bread tests done when the crust make a hollow sound when tapped.
- Remove from pans and brush with melted butter. Cover with a hot damp towel to soften crust if desired.