Molasses Bread

I got this recipe about two years ago from a friend.  The last time I tried to make it, I didn’t give everything enough time to rise.  I had two short, dense loaves of bread.  Today, though, I gave myself lots of time.  And since my house is a little on the cool side today, I gave it all even more time… 

My patience paid off.  The loaves were light and fluffy and oh-so-tasty!

Here’s the recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup oats
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon yeast  (if you buy packages, this is not quite two packages…  I buy mine in bulk at Costco— so much more for the money… store in the freezer…)
• about 8 cups flour

Place the oats in a mixing bowl and pour the boiling water over.  Let the oats soak for 30 minutes.

Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water.

Add the molasses, butter and salt to the oats, then mix in the yeast.  Add the flour in 2-3 cups at a time until the dough is no longer sticky.  Knead for 10 minutes.  Place in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and place in a draft free place for about an hour to rise.  I like to put the bowl inside the microwave, with the microwave off, of course.  :) 

Allow the dough to double.  How do you know when it has doubled?  Gently press two fingertips into the dough, if the indentations remain, without shrinking, then the dough is done.  When the dough is doubled, punch it down. Literally.  Use your fist to push the extra air out.  Divide the dough in half, and form two loaves.  Place each loaf into a large loaf pan and allow the dough to rise again.  Preheat the oven to 350, and bake for 35-45 minutes.  It should sound hollow if you tap on the bottom of the loaf.

Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing.  Enjoy with your favorite topping.  I like honey butter.  :)