Maple Oatmeal Bread

"This recipe was given to me by a my friend, Cindy. I have made it many times in the fall. It has a grainy quality that is great for toasting." Recipe submitted by Shelley of Massachusetts, USA.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups scalded milk
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup old fashioned oatmeal
2/3 cup maple syrup (the good stuff)
1/2 cup warm water
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons salt
2 (0.25-ounce) packages active dry yeast, or 4 1/2 teaspoons
6 cups bread flour (possibly a little more)

Cooking Directions:

1. Dissolve the butter in the scalded milk and warm water. Pour over the oatmeal. Let stand for 15 to 20 minutes. Then add the maple syrup and the eggs to the oatmeal mixture.
2. Mix the yeast and salt with half of the four. Add this to the oatmeal mixture. Stir. Then stir and knead in the rest of the flour until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the dough and let stand; rise until double. Punch down and form into three (3) loaves. Let rise.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Makes 3 loaves.