FRENCH HEARTH BREAD

Steps:

• 1. Gently heat the milk, water and butter in a saucepan on low just until the butter starts to soften and the milk is warm (but not hot!). Set aside.
• 2. In a KitchenAid stand up mixer with the flat beater attachment combine the unbleached white flour, wheat flour, salt, chopped walnuts and active dry yeast.
• 3. Switch to the kneading attachment and pour in the milk mixture. Knead for a few minutes until the dough is no longer sticky. Let dough rest-covered for 1 hour.
• 4. Sprinkle a small amount of flour on a cutting board. Knead the bread dough a few times then shape into 1 or 2 boules or similar shape.
• 5. Arrange the boule(s) on a parchment lined baking tray. Place in a *warm oven and let rise for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and leave the boules in the oven while the bread rises. *We have a KEEP WARM feature on our range. I turn on the KEEP WARM feature and as soon as it comes to temperature I turn it off and allow the bread to rise.
• 6. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the bread is lightly brown and hollow when tapped. Set aside to cool on wire racks. Good toasted, too!