Yield: 4 loaves (16 slices each)

Ingredients

3 packages (1/4 ounces each) active dry yeast

5 cups warm water (110°-115°), divided

1 tbsp plus 2/3 cup honey, divided

2/3 cup canola oil

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsps salt

4 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup toasted wheat germ

6-8 cups bread flour

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 3/4 cup warm water and 1 tbsp honey. Add the remaining water and honey, oil, sugar, salt, whole wheat flour, wheat germ and 3 cups of the bread flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining bread flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. Punch dough down. Shape into four loaves. Place in 9″x5″x3″ loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.