1. Proof the yeast, which means to mix honey with water and sprinkle yeast over the top of the swirling water. Watch the yeast dive for the bottom and foam up for about 5 min. No action = bad yeast.
   • 3 c. warm water
   • 1 tbs. honey
   • 3 tbs. yeast
2. Mix the sponge, which means to add some flour to the yeast, cover it, and give it a head start for about fifteen minutes.
   • 2 c. wheat flour
   • 2 c. white flour
3. Mix in the flavor:
   • ⅔ c. oil
   • ⅔ c. honey
   • 1 tbs. salt
4. Add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, alternating flours. Save the last cup of flour for kneading. When it gets difficult to stir, turn the mixture onto the counter and mix/knead it with hands.
   • 3 c. wheat flour
   • 3 c. white flour
5. Knead the dough for 15 min. until it is very elastic.
   You do not have to use all the flour in the recipe. Sometimes it depends on the phase of the moon! Avoid increasing the flour in the recipe. Each addition is more flour that will need to be exercised.
   You may add more water if the dough is too firm.
   Test by pinching your earlobe and pinching the dough. The gluten in the dough will feel like the cartilage in your ear. You can’t over-knead the dough—the goal is “buns of steel”!
6. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and turn it over to coat well. (Use a bowl that can be placed in the oven on a chilly day.) Cover it with plastic wrap and a towel.
7. Let the dough rise for 1 hour. Put it in a warm place: a warm oven, on the stove next to the soup, etc.
8. Punch down. If desired, knead again for finer texture.
9. Shape and place in 3 greased loaf pans. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel.
10. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
11. Bake at 375° for 30-40 min.

Variations

Add herbs or cheese with the honey and oil or during the kneading.
Herb combo:

• 4 tsp. celery flakes
• 4 tsp. parsley flakes
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 2 tsp. onion salt

Shape into round loaves, place in greased pie plates, and slash the tops with an X.

Crusts

Soft: brush with butter or oil when removed from oven.
Chewy: brush with milk 5 min. before the end of the baking time, then finish baking.
Crusty: brush with water before the second rising and before baking.
Shiny: brush with a beaten egg before baking.
With seeds: brush with beaten egg white and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.