Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup white flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (I usually use brown)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon oil (optional)
  • cornmeal, to sprinkle on baking stone

Method

  • Combine water, sugar and yeast. Mix in salt, honey, milk, and oil (if using).
  • In a separate large bowl mix together white and whole wheat flours.
  • Slowly pour liquid into 1 C of flour. Add remaining flour 1/2 C at a time, stirring well after each addition. When dough has pulled together turn onto a floured surface. Knead until bread is silky, about 10 minutes if by hand.
  • Put into oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel and put in a warm draft-free place. Let rise for approx 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 500 with baking stone on bottom shelf and a pan on top shelf.
  • Punch down and form into loaves. Slash tops with sharp knife or put into loaf pans. Let rise again until doubled in size.
  • For a shiny crust, brush loaves with beaten egg.
  • Slide into oven and pour 1/2 cup warm water into top shelf's pan to create steam.
  • Bake at 500 for 5 minutes then turn oven down to 400. Bake until golden brown/loaves sound hollow, approximately 10-15 minutes if in small loaves, 25+ minutes if in loaf pans.