Bread maker? Paff..... use a slow cooker.....
Ingredients:
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups of warm milk
2 Tbsp melted UNSALTED butter
1-3 tablespoons of sugar (add more if you like sweeter bread)
3 tablespoons of active dry yeast (conservative side)
6 cups of whole wheat flour (or 3 cups whole wheat & 3 cups all-purpose flour)
2 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
Method:
Grab a big bowl, and stir the 1/2 cup of warm water, 1 (or more) tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of yeast. Wait for 5 minutes – it should be frothy on the top. While your waiting warm 2 cups of milk and 2 Tbsp of butter in microwave.
Next, add milk and butter to yeast mixture. Using a standing mixer slowly add the 6 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix and knead the dough. (I used the dough hook once I had incorporated most of the flour for about 5 minutes then kneaded by hand for another 5-7 minutes.)
Line your slow cooker with cooking (baking) paper and place in your round ball of dough. It will rise in the slow cooker as it heats through. Cook on High power for 2- 2.5 hours. Start checking at every 7-10 minutes until top is sponge-y but springs back and no moisture on the top. The bottom should be a nice brown colour as well as sides. Pop the loaf in the oven on grill for about 3- 5 minutes to get a nice crusty top.
You`ll thank me for it.