Baking this bread will make your house smell like the holidays! The combination of the cranberries and spices is delicious and perfect for this time of year.
Ingredients
2 1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. honey
4 teaspoons yeast
4 Tablespoons oil
3 teaspoons salt
7 c. whole wheat flour (you can also use white wheat flour or half wheat and half white)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 c. dried cranberries
Directions
Combine the warm water, honey, and yeast in bowl of mixer. Allow the yeast to sponge, about 5 minutes.
Add several cups of flour along with the oil, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix well. Switch to the dough hook and add the cranberries and enough flour so that the dough is no longer sticking to the sides of the bowl and is only slightly sticky. Knead for 5-6 minutes.
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl and allow to rise until doubled (about 1-2 hours).
Divide the dough in half and shape into two loaves. Place in greased pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Notes
I have found that if I'm baking yeast breads on colder days, it takes a lot longer for the bread to rise. To help it along, you can heat your oven on a low setting for a few minutes and then turn it off and place the bread in the oven covered with a light cloth. This warm environment will expedite the rising process.
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