Old-Fashioned Brown Bread

I found this recipe in my October/Novermber 2009 issue of Taste of Home. I love bread and this one looked very good! I figure they knew how to make bread in the olden days, and this quote made me decide to try it!! I am glad I did, it was really good!

"This chewy, old fashioned bread boasts a slightly sweet flavor that will transport you back to olden days"

Old-Fashioned Brown Bread

• 
  
  2 1/3 cups boiling water


• 
  
  1 cup old-fashioned oats


• 
  
  1/2 cup butter, cubed


• 
  
  1/3 cup molasses


• 
  
  5 1/2-6 1/2 cups flour


• 
  
  5 tsp active dry yeast


• 
  
  2 tsp salt

In a large bowl, pour boiling water over oats. Stir in butter and molasses. Let stand until mixture cools to 120-130 degrees, stirring occasionally. (I just tested it until it felt like warm water I would proof my yeast in)

In another bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, yeast and salt. Beat in oat mixture until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.(I did this in my mixer with the dough hook attachment) Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape into loaves. Place in 2 greased 9 x 5 in bread loaf pans (I actually had 2 loaf and one mini loaf). Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool! Enjoy!!!