Whole Grain Bread Recipe

Ingredients

- 3 cups whole wheat flour - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast - 1 1/4 cups warm water - 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 1/2 tsp salt - Optional seeds and nuts for topping

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. 2. Add honey, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. 3. Gradually add whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. 4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. 6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan. 7. Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes. 8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally, sprinkle seeds and nuts on top of the dough. 9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. 10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.