This dough is your secret weapon because the protein is hidden within the bread, giving you that insurance policy you need if you’re struggling to get enough protein into your child. I’m fairly confident that when you tell your kid that cinnamon rolls, fresh fruits, and some carrot sticks are in her lunchbox, you won’t hear much complaining.

If you have a bread maker, you can use it to mix the dough or make a loaf of bread with this recipe: use the 1# loaf setting if it’s an option. Or follow the mixing instructions below, and use this dough for whatever you desire: some ideas are listed at the bottom of the instructions.

In a large bowl, food processor, or stand mixer, combine the flours, wheat bran, and salt until well-mixed. Pour the milk into a small bowl and stir in the honey. Stir in the yeast until dissolved, then add the olive oil and set aside. Follow the directions below for the mixing method of your choice, remembering in all cases that your goal is a smooth ball of dough that won’t stick to your hands but will stick to your fingers if you pinch it.

If mixing by hand: stir the liquids into the dry ingredients with a spoon until combined, adding a bit of water if the dough seems dry or flour if it seems wet, then move to a lightly-floured surface and knead vigorously for 6-8 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

In a food processor: with the processor running, pour the liquids in in a slow but steady stream and allow to mix until the dough balls around the blade. If dough is dry, add a bit of water. Add flour if the dough is too wet and sticks to the bottom of the bowl. Stop the processor and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Restart processor and allow the ball to rotate approximately 30 times, then remove the dough and finish kneading by hand on a lightly-floured surface until smooth.

In a stand mixer: add liquids to dry ingredients and mix using a dough hook on low for 2 minutes or until the dough comes together in a ball. Add a bit of water if the dough won’t come together or add a bit of flour if it’s too wet. Increase speed to medium and allow to knead for 6-8 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.

Allow dough to rise in a covered and oiled bowl until it has doubled in size, then proceed with whatever bread-based recipe idea your heart desires. Some options include: cinnamon rolls, breadsticks, mini-pizzas, dinner rolls, and sandwich bread.