Irish Oatmeal Bread

Step 1: In a bowl place 1 cup oatmeal and stir in the hot water and let stand for 1 hour.

Step 2: In a saucepan over low heat add the cold water and oat bran and bring to a boil, string constantly and then stir into the oatmeal mixture (in the bowl) and let cool.

Step 3: In a bowl add warm water and stir in the yeast and let stand for 10 minutes or until foamy.

Step 4: Stir yeast mixture, brown sugar, oil and salt into the oatmeal mixture. Stir in 2 cups of the white flour and 2 cups of the whole wheat flour. Turn dough out onto floured board and knead until smooth and elastic; adding more flour as needed (10 minutes).

Step 5: Grease large mixing bowl (or a large pot) and add dough turn to coat all surfaces. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area (we use an unheated microwave)until doubled (1 1/2 hours).

Step 6: Punch dough down and let stand in a warm draft-free area for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans (or we use 1 large loaf pan and two individual size loaf pans). Turn dough out onto floured board and divide in half.. Shape into loaves and put into prepared pans. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon oatmeal. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise until almost doubled (30 minutes).

Step 8: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake loaves for 50-60 minutes or until lightly browned and bottoms sound hollow when tapped. Cool in pans and then turn out onto racks to let cool completely.