Walnut-Crusted Wheat Loaves

Name: Walnut-Crusted Wheat Loaves
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).
Ingredients: 3 cups whole wheat flour; 2-3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup toasted wheat germ; 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 cups water; 1/2 cup honey; 1/3 cup shortening; 2 eggs; 1 cup chopped walnuts; GLAZE:; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

This moist flavorful round bread from our Test kitchen has a wonderful balance of both white and wheat flours. Pass a basket of wedges with creamy butter.

Ingredients

3 cups whole wheat flour
2-3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup toasted wheat germ
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups water
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 cup chopped walnuts
GLAZE:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, wheat germ, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the water, honey and shortening to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in walnuts and enough remaining all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into a ball; flatten slightly. Place on two greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 35 minutes.
For glaze, in a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes or until thickened. Brush over top of loaves. With a sharp knife, make several shallow slashes across the top of loaves. Sprinkle with walnuts.
Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.