HONEY OATMEAL WHEAT BREAD

~ The Best of Mennonite Fellowship Meals, compiled by Phyllis Pellman Good and Louise Stoltzfus

3 c. boiling water
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
3 pkg. yeast
3/4 c. warm water
1/2 c. honey or brown sugar
1/3 c. canola oil
2 t. salt
3-4 c. whole wheat flour
4-5 c. unbleached white flour

Pour boiling water over oats in a large mixing bowl. Let cool to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand until foamy. Mix with oat mixture.

Add the honey, oil, and salt one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add flours gradually, mixing well after each addition, until soft dough forms. Knead 5-10 minutes, then place in greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise until doubled. Punch down and shape into three loaves, then let rise another 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes after second rise. Cool on rack.

Makes three loaves.

Notes: I've made this bread as hand-formed loaves and in loaf pans. Both ways work well.