Bill's Bread

From Bill Cole's Kitchen

Bill makes 5 loaves of bread with this recipe - we sometimes make 4.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 TBS salt
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp maple extract
• 1 cup rye flour
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 4 pkg yeast
• 1 TBS white sugar
• 1 cup warm water (100-110 degrees F)
• 8-9 cups all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, combine first four ingredients and mix until smooth. Add oil and maple extract, set mixture aside. After "gruel" has cooled, add the rye and whole wheat flours, walnuts and wheat germ.

In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, proof the yeast by combining with the water and sugar. When bubbly, add yeast mixture to the bowl. Add enough all- purpose flour to give a solid dough consistency (7-8 Cups). Form into a ball and knead at least 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary to maintain consistency. In large bowl, roll the ball in just enough oil to evenly coat the surface. Cover and allow to rise in warm place to double its size.

When doubled, punch down the dough, divide into 4 or 5 equal parts. Shape into elongated rolls and place into 4 or 5 greased bread pans (8 1/2 X 4 1/2 x 2 1/2). Allow to rise to loaf size. Preheat oven to 375°. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden and "hollow" when tapped. Remove from pans and cool. Optional - for a soft top crust, brush warm loaves with butter. Makes 4 or 5 loaves.