Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Oatmeal Bread

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
2 cups boiling water
1 envelope dry yeast
1/2 cup light molasses
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp butter
3 1/2 - 4 cups flour

Directions
Soak oatmeal in coiling water at least 30 minutes. When oatmeal has cooled add yeast, molasses (I used honey), salt, butter, and flour, one cup at a time. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes. Place in a greased bowl until doubled in size. Punch dough down and divide into 2 loaves. Cover and let rise again. Bake at 350 deg F about 35 - 40 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool.

Notes: I used quick cooking oats and no quite boiling water. Then, I allowed the mixture to cool to the traditional 100 to 110 deg F before adding to my yeast mixture. I didn't melt the butter; don't know if you need to, actually. And, I used honey instead of molasses. Also, this time required all 4 cups of flour. Who knows the next time.

This bread is very moist and delicious. I highly recommend cutting it right after taking out of the oven and slapping on some butter (or cinnamon butter if you have it).