With Covid 19 keeping people at home, many are learning or returning to baking bread. I am one that is returning.

For years, I baked fresh bread either daily or a couple of times a week, depending on how many people were living with us. When our sons moved out, our niece moved out, and a friend that needed a place to stay moved out, we downsized and baking bread fell by the wayside.

Then came the coronavirus. This is a stressful time for our city, our state, our country, and our world. With stress comes a longing for a return to a less stressful time and comfort food. What is more comforting than the smell of bread baking in your oven and slathering a thick, still warm slice with butter?

This is a repost of the softest, best tasting bread recipe!

The Best Wheat Bread Recipe

In mixing bowl:

• 3 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1 tablespoon lecithin (Use powder or granules. The liquid is like goo.)
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/3 cup honey

In a separate bowl, combine:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup unbleached bread flour
• 1 tablespoon dough enhancer
• 1 tablespoon wheat gluten

1. Combine the flour mixture into the mixing bowl. Mix until mostly blended. I use the dough hook on my Kitchen Aid.
2. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.

Combine

• 2 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon salt.

1. When the 10 minutes is up, add the flour & salt to the dough. Mix well & knead for 8 minutes. If the dough is too wet and sticking to the bowl while kneading, add a little more flour of your choice.
2. Divide dough in half. Spread evenly in 2 loaf pans (I use stoneware.) that have been sprayed with cooking spray. (Helpful hint: Rub small amount of shortening on your hands. It will keep the dough from sticking to you.)
3. Cover with bread towels. Let rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes.
5. Remove from oven. Cover with bread towels. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove from pans. I place the loaves on a breadboard. Cover with bread towel. Allow to cool.

Makes 2 loaves.

You can adjust the ratio of wheat flour to bread flour to your liking. My family prefers the softness of 1/2 wheat flour, 1/2 bread flour.