Molasses Oatmeal Bread

 

This post is a great one, because the following recipe is delicious. Its really an easy recipe that can be prepared fast. The bread has great taste (thanks to the molasses) and great texture. The dough rose beautifully and compliments were flying everywhere.

I did however make a few slight changes. I added to the mixture 1/4 cup of sugar, and before the breads were put in the oven, I brushed them with an egg and sprinkled some oatmeal on top. The egg always gives breads a nice shiny top, which I love. The recipe is from the great cookingbread.com.

Molasses Oatmeal Bread Recipe: 

6 cups flour

2 cups oats

1 teaspoon salt

2 packages yeast

1 cup water

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup molasses

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 beaten egg

oatmeal for sprinkling

Combine in mixing bowl 4 1/2 cups flour, oats, salt and 2 packages yeast. In small saucepan mix water, milk, molasses and butter heat to 120-130 F. With mixer on medium, gradually add liquids. Beat 2min. Add sugar, eggs & 3/4 cup flour; beat 2 min. Add eggs & 3/4 cup flour; beat 2 min. Turn out and knead 8-10 min. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. Punch down and turn out onto lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal parts. Take 2 sections and role into 12" ropes, then twist then together, turn the ends under, and place in 8.5" x 4.5" x 2.5" loaf pan. Repeat for remaining bread. Cover loaf pans and let rise 1 hour. Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush the top of each bread and sprinkle oatmeal to decorate. Bake at 400 F for approximately 30min. Toothpick should come out clean. Put it out on a cooling rack until it's had the chance to dry out a bit.

Makes two loaves.