Simple Whole Wheat Bread

Out of all the bread recipes I have come across, this is our absolute favorite!!  I adapted the recipe from it's original here on allrecipes.com.

Simple Whole Wheat Bread

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (2 - .25 ounce packages)
1/3 cup honey
2 cups bread flour
3 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup oats
1/4 applesauce
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons wheat germ
5 tablespoons wheat gluten
~ 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

~ 1 tablespoon butter, melted

In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 2 cups white bread flour and 3 cups whole wheat flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.

Mix in applesauce, oats, 1/3 cup honey, gluten, wheat germ and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.

Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch. 

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely.