Cracked Wheat French Bread

Directions

• Step 1
  Place cracked wheat, butter, and salt in a heatproof bowl. Place water in microwave-safe glass measuring cup. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes or until boiling. Pour over cracked wheat mixture; stir until butter melts. Let cool for 30 minutes.
• Step 2
  Add egg, orange juice, and buttermilk to cracked wheat mixture and stir; mixture should be lukewarm. Add yeast and 1 cup whole wheat flour; beat to combine. Add remaining cup of whole wheat flour and 1 cup bread flour; beat well. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
• Step 3
  Stir down dough and gradually add enough remaining bread flour to form a firm dough. Turn out onto floured surface and knead until elastic, about 6–7 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.
• Step 4
  Cover and let rise for 1 hour. Punch down dough, turn out onto floured surface, cover with bowl, and let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Roll or pat out each half into a 12" x 8" rectangle. Tightly roll up, starting with longer side.
• Step 5
  Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Slash top of dough with a sharp knife. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes until doubled in size.
• Step 6
  Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake bread for 40–50 minutes or until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped with finger. Let cool on wire rack.