Everyday Oatmeal Bread

That's right! Simply in Season also features baking recipes! Though, I am generally more interested in cooking, there are some days that something bread or something sweet are so fulfilling to make.

I am pleased to say the bread recipe was as simple as most of the other recipes I have tried. Granted, it takes a bit more time/physical effort, but the results are worth it.

The whole project cost next to nothing. All were ingredients I had sitting in the cupboard, but they also were purchased rather cheaply to begin with.

So here goes...

1. Boil one and one half cups water. Add one cup rolled oats. Let sit for half an hour.

2. Stir into oatmeal 3/4 cup molasses, 3tbsp butter or oil, & two tsp salt.

3. Dissolve one tbsp of active dry yeast in two cups of lukewarm water. Add to oatmeal mixture.

4. Work in six cups flour & two cups wheat flour. Make a medium-soft dough, adding flour if needed.

5. Turn onto a floured surface & knead for nine minutes or until smooth.

6. Put into a greased bowl & turn over to grease both sides of the loaf. Cover with a damp cloth & allow to rise until doubled, about an hour.

7. Punch down & separate into two loaves. Put into greased 9x9 bread pans, cover with a damp cloth, put somewhere warm until doubled, about forty-five minutes.

8. Bake in preheated oven at 400 for five minutes. Then lower temp to 350 and bake about forty minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped.

We had ours with Dijon mustard, ham, provolone, tomato, onion, & basil. For dessert we tried some with butter & Lingonberries.

It's a sweet bread, but not overly so. With a nice wheat taste & a smooth texture. Perfect for sandwiches of any kind.

And you can't beat the smell of bread baking. Or the feel of pulling it from the hot oven. Or the joy of eating it still warm.


Favorite Song (on my favorite radio station during prep time):

Emily and the Woods- Never Play