Holy Thursday Apple Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Mix the yeast with 1/2 cup of the water and a pinch of brown sugar in a large bowl, and set aside about 5 minutes.
2. 2
   After 5 minutes, stir in the remaining water, the milk, the remaining brown sugar, the salt and 2 tablespoons of the oil.
3. 3
   Gradually stir in 4 cups of the all-purpose flour.
4. 4
   Mix thoroughly; then, beat in a mixer or a food processor until smooth and springy, about 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Mix in the whole-wheat flour, raisins and apple.
6. 6
   Add about another cup of all-purpose flour to make a soft dough.
7. 7
   By hand or with a dough hook on an electric mixer knead the dough for about 8 minutes, adding additional all-purpose flour to make a dough that is soft, smooth and not sticky.
8. 8
   Lightly oil a bowl with 1/2 tablespoon of the remaining oil, and place the dough in it, turning the dough to coat it completely.
9. 9
   Cover, and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
10. 10
    Punch the dough down and divide in two.
11. 11
    Divide each of these portions in three and form into balls.
12. 12
    Use the remaining oil to grease two loaf pans, 9 by 5 by 3 inches.
13. 13
    Place three balls of dough side by side in each pan, cover with a clean towel and allow to rise until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.
14. 14
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
15. 15
    Bake about 45 minutes, until the loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when thumped on the bottom.
16. 16
    Allow to cool at least 45 minutes before cutting.