Molasses Bread

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, 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 – and 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 350F, and bake for 35-45 minutes. When done, 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.