Buttermilk Wheat Bread

I wasn't overly eager to try this bread because I thought it would be an ordinary wheat bread. However, it is a spectacular wheat bread and probably my favorite "ordinary" wheat bread. The buttermilk creates a really great flavor.

Buttermilk Wheat Bread
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
2 tsp. yeast
3 Tbsp. canola oil, softened
2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 cup wheat flour
3 cups bread flour

Heat buttermilk until warm, between 105ºF and 115ºF. Pour into warmed mixing bowl, and add yeast. Let stand 5 minutes.

Add oil, lemon juice, salt, brown sugar and wheat flour. Beat well. Cover and let stand 15 minutes.

Slowly add bread flour. Mix until dough forms. Knead on medium speed until dough is smooth and springy but soft to the touch. Cover and let rise one hour.

Punch down dough, and divide into 2 to 3 loaves. Shape into round loaves, and place on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until loaves are golden and wooden skewer comes out clean. Brush with melted butter if desired. Cool on wire rack.