Dee's Health Bread

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 cup warm water
3 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4c. gluten
1T. bread enhancer
7 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup flax seed
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup sesame seeds
4 teaspoons salt
4 cups wheat flour


DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup warm water. In a large bowl, mix remaining 3 1/2 cups warm water, honey, molasses, oil, eggs and lemon juice. Mix well. Add yeast mixture and stir.
Gradually add 5 cups whole wheat flour beating well after each addition. Add the flax, cracked wheat and sunflower seeds, stir well.
Let stand for 20 minutes, until mixture is very light. Stir in salt and the rest of the flour until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead 10 to 15 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Put into a greased bowl and cover, let rise in the oven with light on until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch down and shape into 4 round balls. Cover and let rest for 40 minutes.
Form into loaves and let rise covered in oven until doubled. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) 25-35 minutes.

Whole Wheat Braids

INGREDIENTS
3 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
3 cups warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F)
1/4 cup of gluten

2t. bread enhancer

1/3 cup honey
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon salt
5 cups whole wheat flour
4 cups whole wheat flour

DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, eggs, oil, salt and whole wheat flour; beat until smooth. Add enough all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn once to grease top. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Divide into nine pieces; shape each piece into a 14-in. x rope and braid three ropes together. Place in three greased 8-in.x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts: One slice equals 112 calories, 2 g fat (0 saturated fat), 13 mg cholesterol, 138 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, 0 fiber, 3 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.

Cooks note: the gluten and bread enhancer are optional.