Oatmeal Bread

I usually get up about 4:30am every morning, but this morning around 3am I heard a noise. As I rolled over to try to go back to sleep I realized that the noise was the two grandkids in the basement. So I came downstairs to investigate. I turned the light on in the livingroom and there was Reese my grandson sitting in the recliner. He immediately started telling me about his transformer guy. I told him he needed to go back to bed. He seemed so wide awake! How do kids do that? I could hardly get my eyes to open enough to get down the stairs. Reese went back down the basement, but when I did get up again at 4:30am both kids were awake along with my daughter Jenny and my son Chauncey. Jenny went back to bed and left Chauncey up babysitting. So it's not my normal quiet house this morning, but I'm having fun listening to the grandkids playing. Lia's been reminding me of my special oatmeal that she wants me to make her for breakfast.

I found this recipe over at Lei's blog, My Many Colored Days! She has some great ideas and is sooo talented! This is a really nice hearty bread with a great molasses flavor!

Oatmeal Bread

2T + 1t yeast
1c warm water
2t sugar

Combine and let stand for 10 minutes.

Add 4 eggs and mix for 5 minutes on medium speed with beater.

In separate bowl with a dough hook, combine:
3 c hot water
2 c rolled oats
1 c molasses
1 c minus 1T shortening
2T salt

*Of about 12 1/2 c flour - add enough to make a thin, smooth batter.

Let rest 10 minutes.

Again using dough hook, combine yeast mixture with oatmeal mixture.

Add remaining flour in small amounts until dough is no longer too sticky to handle, and smooth. I need by hand for at least 10 minutes, you can also use a mixer if you have one that is large enough.

Let dough rise until double in bulk (1 - 1 1/2 hrs.)

Portion into 5 loaves and place in prepared greased pans. Cut slits on each loaf, brush with vegetable oil and sprinkle with some oats. Let rise again until double in bulk.

Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes or until evenly browned.

I make 2 large loaves and 6 small for giving away. For the small loaves: 15-17 minutes. For the large loaves: 28 minutes.