Whole Wheat Bread for Dummies

Making bread is a skill I don't have mastered--nor have I really tried. But sometimes I get the overwhelming desire to make some bread. This usually happens when I am short on time and ingredients. So in desperation, after several recipes I rejected from my google search, I tried a recipe for "whole wheat batter bread" on the back of my yeast package. The bread was dense, delicious, and perfect served warm slathered in butter next to a hot bowl of soup. I suppose there ARE a few benefits to cold weather. But not many.

Whole Wheat Batter Bread
-from the back of a Fleischmann's yeast packet. It seems the yeast people know how to make bread.

-4 cups whole wheat flour (I used white whole wheat)
-2 envelops RapidRise (aka instant) yeast
-2 t. salt
-1 1/2 cups water
-1/4 cup milk
-1/4 cup honey
-3 T butter
-1/2 cup wheat bran (I actually had this in my house, which was a shocker. You buy it in the health food section. Bob's Red Mill makes it. You can add it to oatmeal, cereal, etc for a little extra fiber)

Combine 2 cups whole wheat flour, undissolved yeast, and salt in a small bowl. Heat water, milk, honey, and butter until very warm (120-130 degrees). I used the microwave and checked the temp every 30 seconds or so with my candy thermometer (I did not microwave the candy thermometer). When warmed, add to the flour mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl periodically. Add 1/2 cup more flour and the wheat bran, then beat 2 minutes at high speed. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour to make a stiff batter. Place batter in greased 9x5 loaf pan. Cover and let rise in a warm space until doubled in size, about 1 hour. I place a clean kitchen towel over the pan and usually just set it in my oven (that is turned off). Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes or until done (it's done when you tap on it and it sounds hollow). Remove from pan and let cool on a wire rack.