Ann’s Heavenly Whole Wheat Oatmeal Bread
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, Grains, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 4 Hours
Servings: 2 loaves
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Description: This cherished recipe, lovingly passed down from Ann’s mom and featured in numerous church cookbooks, yields bread that’s not just delicious but also wholesome and hearty. Perfect for any occasion, this bread is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. 😊
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | warm water |
| 2 tsp | dry yeast |
| 3 cups | hot water |
| 2/3 cup | brown sugar or honey |
| 4 tbsp | salt |
| 1/2 cup | butter |
| 4 cups | white flour |
| 4 cups | whole wheat flour |
| 2 cups | oatmeal |
Instructions:
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Soften Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and dry yeast. Allow the yeast to soften in the water.
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Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a separate large bowl, mix together the hot water, brown sugar or honey, salt, and melted butter or oil. Let the mixture cool until lukewarm, then add the softened yeast mixture.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Pour the liquid mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the white flour, whole wheat flour, and oatmeal, stirring well to combine. The dough will be sticky.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it lightly. Add small amounts of flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be soft and elastic.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour, or until doubled in size.
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Prepare Loaf Pans: While the dough is rising, grease two large loaf pans generously to prevent sticking.
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Shape the Loaves: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a loaf. Place the shaped loaves into the prepared loaf pans.
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Second Rise: Cover the loaf pans with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise again until light and puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
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Bake: Once the loaves have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Enjoy: Remove the baked loaves from the oven and let them cool on wire racks for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked Ann’s Heavenly Whole Wheat Oatmeal Bread with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings!
With its comforting aroma and wholesome ingredients, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, each bite is a taste of home and tradition. 🍞
