Honey Whole Wheat Bread

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F)

2 (.25 oz) packages active dry yeast

1/3 cup honey

5 cups bread flour

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/3 cup honey

1 tablespoon salt

3 to 5 cups whole wheat flour

In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Using dough hook, mix in white bread flour until well combined. Let sit for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbled up.

Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Add 2 cups whole wheat flour and mix on lowest setting until well combined. Gradually add more whole wheat flour until a soft, sticky ball forms. Dump dough onto a surface dusted with wheat flour. Knead in additional whole wheat flour until the dough is not really sticky but is still tacky. Continue to knead for another couple minutes, until dough is soft and smooth. Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a dishtowel. Let rise until doubled.

Punch down dough and divide into three loaves. Place in greased 9x5 in. loaf pans. Let rise until dough has risen above the rims of the pans by about one inch.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and loaves are hollow sounding when knocked on.  Cool.