Maple, Oatmeal and Oat Bran Bread
 
Yields two round loaves or 8 x 4 loaves
 
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees)
1 cup warm milk (105-115)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup wheat bran
1/2 cup oat bran
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
4 1/2 -5 cups all purpose or bread flour
 
In a small bowl sprinkle the yeast and 1 tsp maple syrup over 1/3 cup of the warm water. Stir to dissolve and let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
 
In a large bowl, using a whisk, combine the remaining 1 cup of water,milk oil, salt, brans, whole wheat flour, oats, and 1 cup of all purpose flour. Add the yeast mixture. Beat for 1 minute or until creamy. Continue to add flour 1/2 cup at a time until a soft dough is formed that just clears the sides of the bowl.
 
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until soft, springy dough is formed. about 3 minute, adding flour 1 tablespoon at a time to prevent sticking. Do not let the dough get too dry, as brans will continue to absorb moisture. 
 
Place the dough in a greased deep container turining once to coat the top and cover with plastic wrap Let rise at room temp until double in bulk about 1 1/2 -2 hours.
 
Turn the dough onto the work surface and divide into 2 equal portions. Form into round or standard loaves. Place in 2 greased loaf pans or on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until double in bulk about 45 minutes. Twenty minutes before baking, preheat oven to 375.
 
With a serrated knife, slash the tops of the loaves no ore than 1/4 inch deep. Bake in center of the preheated oven until deep brown and hollow sounding when tapped 35 -40 minutes. Remove from the pans immediatly to cool on racks.
 
 
 
HINT:  Use white whole wheat unless you enjoy the more nutty flavor of red wheat. 
 
Use golden syrup in stead of mayple syrup. OR use 1/4 cup brown sugar  plus 4 tablespoons water.