2 packages dry yeast
3 cups lukewarm water, divided
1 teaspoon honey
1/3 cup oil
1/4 cup molasses
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups wheat germ
7 cups whole wheat flour, divided
1 egg, beaten (optional)
1/4 teaspoon water (optional)
Sesame seeds, toasted (optional)

Dissolve yeast in 1 cup water (warmed to 105 degrees F) to which honey has been added. Let soak 5 to 10 minutes. Mix oil, molasses and remaining warmed water. Stir in salt and wheat germ. Combine yeast and molasses mixtures. Mix in 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour; then mix in 3 more cups, blending as well as possible. Turn dough onto board and, using the remaining 1/2 cup flour, knead dough until it is smooth and springy (about 12 minutes). Put dough into oiled bowl, turning it in order to oil the surface. Cover with a towel and allow to rise until doubled in bulk (about 1 1/2 hours).

Punch dough down and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Knead dough about 5 minutes more; then divide it into 2 loaves. Place in two well-oiled loaf pans. If desired, brush tops with beaten egg, to which water has been added, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let rise until loaves are well rounded and high in pans (about 1 hour).

Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for 1 hour or until bread tests done. Remove from pans. Cool on rack. To serve, slice thin, and spread with butter. This is a very filling bread.