Oatmeal Bread

My most successful bread so far.  Makes 2 loaves.  No breadmaking machine required!

This recipe is from an older widow lady who used to bring my family a loaf of this fresh bread to us every now and then when I was growing up.  I like it best when warm, with butter.

If I am going to go to the effort of baking bread, I want it to turn out well - in texture, taste, and health.  This recipe does that pretty well, so far.  My husband has even given it the thumbs up.

To get away from canola oil, I just tried it with coconut oil in the bread, and olive oil in the bowl for rising.  That was a success.  I wonder if I could try honey for the molasses, simply because I can buy honey easier in large quantities...  I'm not sure which is cheaper, though.

Here you go:

Oatmeal Bread

1 c. regular oats, uncooked
1/2 c. molasses
1/3 c. canola oil
1 t. salt
1 and 1/2 c. boiling water
2 pkgs. yeast (or 4 and 1/2 t. yeast)
1/2 c. warm water (105-115 degrees F)
1 c. whole wheat flour
about 5 c. all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten (room temperature)

Combine first 5 ingredients, mixing well; cool to 105-115.  I don't measure the temperature; I just stick my finger in and guess.
Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes.
Add oats mixture, whole wheat flour, 2 c. all purpose flour, and eggs; mix well.
Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes (until smooth and elastic). I do this entirely in my Kitchen Aid mixer with the dough hook.

Place in a well-grease bowl, turning once to grease top.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise.  I cover with a damp cloth and put in the microwave (not on).  I figure it is pretty draft-free.

Punch dough down; divide in half.  Shape each into a loaf.  Place in well-greased 9x5x3 inch pans.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped.  I learned the hard way to let it bake the entire time, even if it is getting really brown.

Mmm, enjoy!