Ingredients
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3 cups warm, but not hot water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 to 3 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon coarse or kosher salt
Steak spice blend, for sprinkling
Demerara or raw sugar, for sprinkling
Preparation
Mix together the yeast, sugar and water in a large bread making bowl and allow to bubble up and foam. Wait a few minutes until the yeast starts to work, and then add the vinegar and oil. Add the all-purpose flour cup by cup, stirring well after each addition. Then add the whole wheat flour, mixing in the salt at one point, cup by cup, and stirring well after each addition. The dough will still be a little bit wet and spongy. Cover with a damp tea or kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Using a big spatula, spoon the dough out into 2 well-greased loaf pans. Using your fingers if needed, press the sides down, helping to create the perfect loaf shape. (Do not knead). With a knife, make 2 or 3 diagonal shallow incisions across the top of the loaves. Top with your favorite herbs or spices. For the savory loaf, sprinkle with steak spice. For the other, sprinkle with demerara or raw sugar. Bake the loaves for about 50 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crusty on top, and sound hollow when tapped on the underside. Let sit, if you can wait, for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving with butter. This moist bread keeps well for a few days if placed in a resealable plastic bag. The bread can also be frozen for many weeks.
