Amish Oatmeal Bread

This is our favorite bread recipe from an Amish cookbook I checked out at the library. I've checked the book out several times and I always make this bread. It's delicious!

Amish Oatmeal Bread
3 1/2 c. boiling water
2 c. quick oats
1 c. honey (I usually do part brown sugar and part honey)
2 T. salt
1 c. warm water
2 T. active dry yeast
4 eggs
3/4 c. oil
4 c. whole wheat flour
8-10 c. all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, mix boiling water with oats, honey, and salt. Let stand 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lukewarm (this will happen faster if you pour it out and spread it on something like a plate). Mix yeast with warm water. Once it is foamy, add to the oatmeal mixture with the eggs and oil; mix well. Mix in wheat flour. Add enough white flour to make a soft dough; knead until smooth. Cover and let rise until double (or at least rest for 15 minutes). Form into 4 loaves and put in greased loaf pans. Allow to rise until almost doubled. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Altered slightly from Gather Around the Amish Table by Lucy Leid