Honey Oatmeal Bread

This recipe makes a very moist bread with a crisp crust.  I love homemade bread toast, and this loaf makes lovely, fragrant toast.  It smells like the bread is baking all over again.

Honey Oatmeal Bread

1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

3 cups boiling water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 Tablespoon salt

3/4 cups honey (or replace 1/4 c. honey with 1/4 c. molasses)

3 packages dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/4 cup wheat germ

8-9 cups unbleached white flour

Pour boiling water over oatmeal in large mixing bowl.  When water is absorbed (about 20 minutes), add salt, oil, and honey.  Sprinkle yeast over water in warm bowl, and mix thoroughly.  Add yeast mixture to other ingredients.  Mix wheat germ into mixture. Add flour 2-3 cups at a time until all the flour is mixed in.  This will take some effort because dough is somewhat stiff.  Place on floured board and knead for 5-10 minutes.  Warm a bowl by filling with very warm water, then empty, wipe out bowl and generously oil bowl.  Put dough in bowl and oil the top of the dough.  Cover with waxed paper and damp towel.  Put in warm place to rise–30 minutes to an hour.  Put dough on floured surface, knead for 2-3 more minutes, and cut into 3 equal pieces.  Cover with towel and let rest for 10 minutes.  Then shape dough and place in bread pans.  Cover  with a towel and place in a warm place until double.  Bake at 340 degrees for 45 minutes.  Makes 3 loaves.