oatmeal bread

nothing is better than freshly baked bread. well, there may be a few things, but when those other things are not at your disposal, please take my advice and follow the recipe below. you will thank me. swear.
when i was growing up my mom used to bake the yummiest fresh oatmeal bread. we could hardly wait until it cooled to eat it. we would watch it brown in the oven and then do our best to control our urge to slice it up with fresh butter and a smear of honey. nothing is more comforting and scrumptious than mom's oatmeal bread.
i recently visited my sister in seattle and one of her requests was that i shared my mom's recipe with her. now her children will grow up with the sweet scent of this bread baking the oven.
it does not only make a lovely toast at breakfast, it is also dreamy sliced up as the vehicle for a memorable grilled cheese.
the recipe is so uncomplicated and will be a staple in your home as soon as your taste your first bite!

Oatmeal bread


2 cups boiling water
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
½ cup molasses or honey
1 T butter
2 tsp salt
1 pkg dry yeast
½ cup lukewarm water
5 cups whole wheat flour

Pour boiling water over rolled oats. Add honey, butter, salt and mix, let stand for one hour. Soften yeast in lukewarm water (proof w/ ½ tsp. sugar). Add to oats. Gradually add flour 1 cup at a time, mix with wooden spoon. (Not metal). Cover dough and let rise in warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour. Put on flour surface, knead for 2 minutes. Divide into 2 pieces and place in medium sized greased loaf pans. Cover, let rise about 45 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

Rub the top with butter and/or honey. Eat.

-to make a grilled cheese that will warm your soul, slice up some port salut cheese (or any other favorite soft or semi-soft cheese, such as sharp cheddar or roquefort) and shaved apple and a few pieces of fresh thyme and grill between some thick, buttered slices of oatmeal bread. mmmmm........ you'll thank me. it's heaven.