Milk and Honey Loaf

I am not sure why this is called Milk and Honey Loaf. There is no milk in the recipe. I have only recently started making bread, and this is the recipe a friend started me with. It has been passed from person to person for some time, and is very easy.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 146 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup honey
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup rye flour
• 3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Allow yeast to sit until it begins to form bubbles.

Step 2

Add honey, butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir in flours one cup at a time, beginning with the rye. When the dough begins to stiffen, turn it out on to a well floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes, adding flour as needed. Place into a greased bowl, and turn once to oil the surface of the dough. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Step 3

Punch down dough, and knead again until smooth. Split into 3 loaves, and knead for a few more minutes. Place loaves in three oiled pans. Allow to rise until double, 1 to 2 hours.

Step 4

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, and then turn out onto counter or wire rack to completely cool.