Secret Weapon Bread Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flours, wheat bran, and salt.
2. 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.
3. Follow the directions below for the mixing method of your choice. In all cases, your goal is a smooth ball of dough that won’t stick to your hands. Add a little water if it seems dry, or flour if it seems wet.
   1.  If mixing by hand: Stir the liquids into the dry ingredients with a spoon until combined. Move to a lightly-floured surface and knead vigorously for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
   2. In a food processor: With the processor running, pour the liquids into the dry mix in a slow, steady stream. Allow to mix until the dough balls around the blade. 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.
   3. 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. Increase speed to medium and allow to knead for 6-8 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Allow dough to rise in a covered and oiled bowl until it has doubled in size, baking as directed in your favorite bread-dough recipe.

For bread: Punch dough down and shape into a loaf. Place in an oiled bread pan, cover, and let rise until doubled in size. Bake in a 350ºF oven until it sounds hollow when tapped (40-50 minutes).

For garlic knots: Punch dough down and cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a snake and tie into an overhand knot. Place knots on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spritz with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped garlic. Bake in a 350ºF oven until brown (20-25 minutes).