Cracked Wheat Bread

This bread is delicious, it's really moist which is a hard thing to accomplish with wheat bread. 5 stars.

Directions:

Add 3/4 cup cracked wheat or bulgar to 1 1/2 cups boiling water. Let stand one hour to soften.
In a small bowl sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons of active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar over 1/4 cup warm water (105-115 F)

In a small bowl combine 1 cup warm buttermilk, 1/4 cup molasses, 1 tablespoon honey, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces.

In a large bowl using a whisk or paddle attachment combine 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/4 cup raw sesame seeds and 2 cups of whole wheat flour.

Stir in the yeast and milk mixtures and beat until smooth, about 3 minutes. Strain the cracked wheat and add to the mixture. Add 2 1/2 to 3 cups of unbleached all purpose flour 1/2 a cup at a time until you have a soft dough.


Knead 7-10 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Let raise at room temperature until doubled. About 1 1/2 hours.
This recipe actually makes three medium free form loaves. I made two large loaves in my bread pans. After shaping brush the tops with melted butter and let raise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Then brush again with melted butter.


Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes, or until brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped with your finger. Transfer immediately to a cooling rack.