Oatmeal Molasses Bread


Ingredients


  • 1 cup quick oats
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon non-hydrogenated vegan margarine
  • 1 pkg active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 2/3 cup flour (of choice - I use half whole wheat half unbleached for good density)

Optional

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions


  1. Bring the two cups of water to a boil, add to the quick oats and the margarine. Let this mixture sit for one hour.
  2. Stir the yeast into the 1/2 cup warm water and let it sit for five minutes.
  3. Stir the yeast mixture, molasses and salt into the oatmeal mixture.
  4. Stir in as much flour as possible and then turn out onto a floured surface and knead in more flour until it's smooth and elastic.
  5. Lightly cover the ball of dough with oil, place in a bowl, and cover with a towel. Let rise until double (this time will depend on room temperature, type and freshness of yeast).
  6. "Punch down" the dough and cut into two. Shape each into a loaf and place in a loaf pan (or else put half the dough in a ziplock bag and freeze until needed). Let them rise again with a towel covering them.
  7. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes; until browned.

Note:

For a firmer crust, periodically spray oven interior with water.