Whole Wheat Bread

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix 4 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of sea salt together. Set this mixture aside.

2. In a separate container, dissolve 2 tablespoons of sweetener in 2 cups of warm water. Once the sweetener is dissolved, stir in 1 tablespoon of yeast. Let this mixture stand for 5-8 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. It will become frothy.

3. Add one and a half cups of the prepared flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Beat the mixture vigorously for about a minute. This helps to incorporate air into the dough.

4. Gradually add the remaining flour mixture to the dough, stirring until it comes together. Use only as much flour as needed to handle the dough without it sticking excessively to your hands.

5. Lightly flour a clean surface (such as a table) and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

6. Place the kneaded dough in a large bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any trapped air. Briefly knead it again.

8. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a medium-sized oiled loaf pan. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled in size.

9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

10. Bake the risen dough in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and easily slips from the pan.

11. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.

12. Once the bread has cooled, you can slice and enjoy your homemade whole wheat bread.

This recipe should yield a delicious and hearty loaf of whole wheat bread. Enjoy your freshly baked bread!