Walnut Wheat Bread

 I am a big fan of making my own bread. I have been working out a good crusty bread recipe for a while now and I think this is my favorite. This bread turns out with a nice thick crust. The walnuts add flavor and texture and make it very hearty.
This  is not a sweet bread, it is a crusty artisan bread that has walnuts mixed throughout the dough. I like to use this bread to eat with soup. It also makes a great turkey sandwich. For breakfast it works well toasted, buttered, and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
 1/2  tsp. salt
1 tbs. butter
1 1/2 tsp. dry active yeast
1/2 c. walnuts, roughly chopped
melted butter for brushing the top

DIRECTIONS
1. Sift the flours and salt into a large bowl, cut in the butter into small pieces with a knife, then work the butter into the dough with your fingers
2. Gradually add 3/4 c. luke warm water, stirring with a spoon at first, then work the dough with your hands until it becomes one piece (you may have to add more all purpose flour if dough feels too sticky or warm water if the dough feels too dry).
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10- 12 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
4. Next knead the walnuts into the dough until they are evenly distributed. Shape into an oval, place on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray and spray top of dough with spray as well. Then cover with cling wrap.
5. Leave in a warm place to rise for 1-2 hours. (should double in size)
6. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
7.Uncover the dough and bake on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes. Brush with melted butter and cover with a towel or cling wrap. Cool before slicing. (It's really good warm too, but it is harder to slice)

 We couldn't wait for it to cool. Yum!