Sunflower Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Mix 1/8 cup of water with the bulgar wheat in a cup.
2. 2
   As long as it soaks for maybe 5 minutes before you add it to the mix, it won't be crunchy in the final product.
3. 3
   Mix 2 cups flour, and all the rest of the dry ingredients including the yeast.
4. 4
   Then mix in the shortening, honey, bulgar wheat, and water until a batter is formed.
5. 5
   Mix in the rest of the flour, 1 cup at a time.
6. 6
   It should form a ball and be only slightly tacky.
7. 7
   Knead for 10 minutes or until it feels right.
8. 8
   Form a ball, place into a buttered bowl, roll around in the bowl until coated with the butter (actually I spray Pam in), cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
9. 9
   Punch down, and depending on the size of the loaf pans, form into 2 large or 3 smaller loaves.
10. 10
    Let rise uncovered until doubled in size again.
11. 11
    Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes until it sounds hollow when tapped.
12. 12
    A wonderful variation is to add 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds in addition to the sunflower seeds.
13. 13
    It changes the character of the bread, but it tastes great, too.
14. 14
    Be careful about the 125 degree water.
15. 15
    I heat it to that temperature because I have mixed all the dry ingredients first, insulating the yeast from the hot water.
16. 16
    If you're worried about it, use slightly cooler water.