Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

I had a couple of requests for the recipe I use to make whole wheat bread, so I thought I'd post it.  My recipe is adapted from the book, Sunset Breads.  AND, making this bread is cheaper than buying a loaf of whole wheat bread at the store (so it kinda counts as being thrifty...right?).  

Ingredients

(makes 2 loaves)

1/4 cup warm water 

1 package active dry yeast

2 tablespoons sugar

2 cups warm milk

2 tablespoons salad oil

2 teaspoons salt

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 cups whole wheat flour

1. Pour the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar into a bowl, stirring until dissolved.  Let stand for 15 minutes (if the yeast does not bubble up then it has been destroyed and you'll have to do this step again).

2. Combine milk, oil, salt, remaining sugar and yeast mixture in a mixing bowl.  Add the flour slowly while the mixer is set on low with a dough hook attachment.  The dough should be stiff enough to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Once you're done adding the flour, keep the mixer going for 20 minutes (or longer if you want the loaf to be lighter).  

4. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes.   After it has risen, punch the dough down with your fist and gently knead to get the air bubbles out.  Split it in two and fold each loaf, creating a seem in the middle.

5. Place each loaf in a 9 by 5 -inch pan and let rise again for 45 minutes. After they have risen, place in oven and cook for 35-45 minutes at 375 degrees or until the tops are lightly browned.  Enjoy :)

P.S.  Have you entered the group giveaway over at Truly Lovely? I may or may not be giving away a scarf and matching earrings... ;)