Homemade Oatmeal Bread.

This bread is a big hit in our house. I have 3 boys and they always choose this bread over the white any day. I must say this is my favorite bread and has been from a teen. It is mouth watering right out of the oven and is great toasted with your favorite topping for a quick breakfast.
My husbands favorite way to eat it is when I make rolls with it. No matter which way you decide to make it you will not be disappointed.
Below is the recipe I hope you enjoy making some great tasting bread today.





Oatmeal Bread

4 Cups of Boiling water
2 Cups of oatmeal (rolled oats or quick oats work the same)
1/4 cup of Shortening
2/3 cups Molasses
1/2 cup White or Brown sugar (both work great)
1 Package of yeast
2 tsp Salt
8 + cups of flour

In a Large bowl mix the Water, Oatmeal, Shortening, Molasses, Sugar, and mix well.
After it has cooled down a little about 15 min check the temperature with your finger it should be warm but not HOT. about 105 to 115F.
Now you add the yeast and salt Mix with a fork well.
Then add 3 cups of flour and mix well with a fork or a hand mixer. Blend well about 1-2 minutes.
Add flour 3 more cups of flour and mix.  Keep adding one cup of flour at a time until you have put 8 cups mixed in. Keep adding 1/2 cup of flour at a time until you have reached a stiff dough. Mine usually is still a bit sticky but I can still kneed it without getting gobs of dough on my hands ;)

Now put the ball of dough in the Large bowl drizzle some oil on top, cover it with saran wrap, and cover it with a towel. Place in a draft free place (I tend to put mine in the oven (no heat on of course :) and set the timer for 1 hour)  The dough should be doubled in size.
Grease 4 bread pans or 3 pans and a 8x8 round pan for rolls. Place dough in the pans and cover with just the clean towel place in a draft free place again and let rise about 40 min. They should be doubled in size and ready for baking.

 Bake at 350 for 30-45 min.

You will know when the bread is done when the top is Dark brown and when you take it out of the oven and tap on the top it will sound hollow.

When the bread is done take them out and pop them right out of the pans.. *careful they are hot*
Put them on a cookie rack and spread butter or margarine over the top. You are done!! Wait about 20 min if you can hold off and cut your first slice and enjoy!

Happy cooking from my Kitchen to yours