Finnish-American Flatbread

Ingredients

• 4 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 2 packages active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 0.75 cups coarse whole wheat flour
• 0.75 cups coarse whole rye flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 8 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons butter , melted

Instructions

1. 1

   Stir together warm water and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Stir in whole wheat flour, rye flour, and salt. Mix in bread flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough is not sticky. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, turning to coat. Set aside to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

3. 3

   Punch down dough and divide into 4 or 5 portions. Form each portion into a ball; let rise again until doubled, about 20 minutes.

4. 4

   Place each ball onto a baking sheet and flatten out into an oval, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Poke holes all over using the tines of a fork. Let rise again until doubled, 20 to 30 minutes.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven until browned on the top and bottom, about 20 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter while still warm.