[Marielle]

If it's just one or two loaves I'll use the food processor, anything more I use the stand mixer (I like kneading bread by hand but the minute my hands get dirty my kids have a sensor and get into something).

I've tweaked this recipe from a cook's illustrated white bread recipe to make it whole wheat (I prefer the KA white wheat flour, less bitter taste).

American Loaf Sandwich Bread


Makes one 9-inch loaf

This recipe uses a standing electric mixer, but a food processor works as well.

3 1/2 white wheat flour (divided in half)
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/3 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons honey (try brown sugar next time)
1/4 tsp yeast + 2 tsp
5 tblsp vital wheat gluten

1/3 cup warm water as needed

Mix half of flour, salt, milk, 1/4 tsp. yeast, butter and honey into a smooth batter. Allow to sit overnight covered with plastic wrap.

The following morning knead the sponge for about 5 minutes. Add rest of the flour and water as necessary. Allow to rest 15-30 minutes then adjust water again.

Knead dough in mixer until slight windowpane appears. Roll into a ball, oil bowl and then dough. Allow to rise until doubled, about 2 hours (can do this longer in the fridge).

When dough has ripened, turn out onto counter and flatten with knuckles (degass). Shape into loaf and place in greased loaf pan. Allow to proof covered, until indentation fills slowly about 45 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees, placing empty loaf pan on bottom rack. Bring 2 cups water to boil.

Remove plastic wrap from loaf pan. Place pan in oven, immediately pouring heated water into empty loaf pan; close oven door. Bake until instant-read thermometer inserted at angle from short end just above pan rim into center of loaf reads 185-195 degrees, about 40 to 50 minutes. Remove bread from pan, transfer to a wire rack, BRUSH WITH MELTED BUTTER and cool to room temperature. Slice and serve.