Whole Wheat Loaves - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 1/2 c. lukewarm water
2 c. sifted plain flour
2 Tbsp. salt
1/2 c. hot water
1/2 c. brown sugar
3 Tbsp. shortening
3 1/2 to 4 c. whole wheat flour

Preparation

Sprinkle yeast on 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water; stir to dissolve. Add flour, sugar and salt.
Beat until batter is smooth.
Cover and let rise in warm place until light and bubbly.
Combine 1/2 cup hot water, brown sugar and shortening.
Cool to lukewarm.
Add brown sugar mixture to yeast; mix well.
Add enough whole wheat flour to make a soft dough that leaves the side of the bowl.
Turn out on floured board and knead until smooth and satiny.
Place dough in lightly greased bowl; turn over to greased top.
Cover and let rise until doubled.
Divide dough in half.
Shape into balls.
Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
Shape each half into a loaf.
Place in two greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
Let rise until doubled.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 40 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pans.
Brush tops with melted butter.