Pumpkin and Sunflower Seed Bread

For a less dense loaf, you can substitute bread flour for half of the whole wheat flour. To make this recipe in a stand mixer, combine all of the ingredients except the vegetable oil in the mixing bowl. Mix on low speed using the dough hook, scraping the dough down occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add the oil and mix for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten the dough into a rectangle, pressing down with your hands to pop any air bubbles. Fold the dough into thirds, rolling it slightly under your palms to form a loaf, and pinch the seam to seal. Place the dough into the loaf pan, seam-side down, cover it with a floured kitchen towel, and allow it to rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes. You may brush the surface with water or milk, if desired, and top it with extra pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a lovely appearance. Bake the bread in a preheated 350 degree oven (175 degrees C) until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and cool on a wire rack.