Mmm... Mmmm Oatmeal Bread

We were all hungry for oatmeal bread after being at Cathy's house to help her with her quilt. Paige had made some beautiful loaves of oatmeal bread and was gracious enough to send a loaf home with us. It didn't even make it home Paige! It was delicious! The next day I dug through my Better Home's and Gardens New Cook Book and found a great recipe for Oatmeal Bread.

Oatmeal Bread

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4 1/4 - 4 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 pkg active dry yeast (I used 2 tsp)

1 3/4 cup water

1/3 cup brown sugar

3 Tablespoons margarine or butter

2 cups quick cooking oats

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Combine 2 cups of flour and the yeast. Add warm water (120 degrees), brown sugar, and margarine. When mixed together add the oatmeal and enough flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. I usually spray the bowl down then roll the dough ball around so that all sides get greasy.Cover the dough and find a nice warm place for it to rise until double (1 - 1 1/2 hours). Punch down the dough (or in my case, settle the fight over which kids' turn it is this time to punch down the dough). Turn onto a lightly floured surface, divide in half. Let the dough rest while you send the kids on a mission to find the missing bread pans. Spray or grease 2 pans. Roll into loaves and place them into the bread pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly double (45-60 mn).This is a great time to start a bit pot of Cheesy Broccoli Soup to go with the bread for supper.

Cheesy Broccoli Soup

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Boil some water and lightly cook desired amount of broccoli. Strain, reserving the water. Next make a rue~ melt some butter in a big pot (can be the same broccoli pot to save dishes), when it is completely melted add some flour to make a thick globby paste. Add milk and keep stirring/heating until the base is as thick as you like. I don't always like such a milky base so I add some of the broccoli water as well. Add your choice of seasonings~ we like garlic, pepper, salt and chicken boullion. In the middle of the thickening process add as much cheese dip (the kind in the jar) as you like for taste. I have also made this soup base with cream cheese and some shredded aged cheddar. And it's not only good with broccoli but with all kinds of vegetables, or potatoes and brats~ yummy!

Once that bread has raised nicely bake it at 375 degrees (starting in a cold oven) for 40-45 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pans and enjoy it warm or let it cool and toast it in the morning. Good stuff!