2 c Cracked wheat or steel cut 3 1/2 c All-purpose flour
Oats 1 pk Yeast
2 c Boiling water 1 c Warm milk
1/4 c Honey, brown sugar, or 1/2 c Melted butter
Molasses 2 ts Salt
1 1/2 c Sourdough starter 1/2 c Honey, brown sugar, or
2 c All-purpose flour Molasses
3 1/2 c Whole wheat flour
Measure the steel cut oatmeal or cracked wheat into a large mixing
bowl. Add boiling water and 1/4 c honey, brown sugar, or molasses,
stirring until well blended. Cool to lukewarm. When the cereal
mixture is cooled, add the sourdough starter and 2 cups of white
flour, beating until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean
towel. Let stand overnight in a warm, protected spot.
The next morning, combine the whole wheat and white flours. Sprinkle
yeast over the warm milk, stirring with a fork until dissolved. Stir
down the starter sponge with a rubber spatula. Add the yeast
mixture, butter, salt, and choice of sugar, blending thoroughly. Add
sufficient flour mixture to make a soft, workable dough. Turn out on
a floured surface. Knead 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as
necessary. Place dough in a warm, greased bowl, turning to coat the
top. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and towel. Let double in bulk,
about 2 hours.
Punch down and knead lightly. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Shape
in 4 loaves and place in greased loaf pans. Cover with a towel and
let rise to tops of ans, 45 minutes to an hour. Bake in a preheated
350 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Cool on racks. Brush with
melted butter if desired.
Yields
48 servings