Whole Wheat Bread

I've never been a fan of whole wheat bread. Actually, I should say - I never USED to be a fan of whole wheat bread. The store bought, bagged kind just isn't my personal taste preference (unless whole grain or cracked wheat....Mike feels the same way). Our boys are always served whole wheat bread, though. They never complain, and I like the fact that they get the added nutrients from it. I decided to create a whole wheat bread recipe that we all could enjoy. Here's a basic, everyday whole wheat bread that's quick and easy to make. Someday I'll post my other (current) favourite whole wheat bread recipe - Honey Oat! For now, enjoy this one (*remember, check back to my first bread recipe with step-by-step instuctions on how to make bread*)

Whole Wheat Bread

• Preferment (1/2 cup white flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 tsp dry active yeast, 1 cup warm water)
• 1-1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp EVOO
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dry active yeast

1. 12-16 hours before starting loaf, in a large bowl, stir together preferment, cover with saran wrap, and walk away!
2. Uncover preferment and pour the remainder of the ingredients into the bowl (start with only 1 cup of the flour). Using your hands or dough hook, knead dough for about 5 minutes. Add more flour as you are kneading if dough is too wet (remember you want it to be slightly sticky).
3. Form dough into ball, lightly oil, and proof in microwave for 60 minutes.
4. After 60 minutes, pour dough onto counter, fold into thirds, then place on lightly greased cookie sheet (or in bread pan). Cover with greased saran wrap, and reproof in microwave for 45-60 minutes (until doubled).
5. With 30 minutes of rise time left, preheat oven to 450 degrees.
6. When dough has doubled, uncover and place in hot oven (*if you are baking on cookie sheet, make 2 slashes 1/2" deep on top of loaf right before going in oven). Immediately turn heat down to 400 degrees.
7. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until nicely browned and hollow sounding when knocked.
8. Let cool (or not!), slice and enjoy!!!