Oatmeal Mini Loaves Recipe

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 2-1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5-1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
• Melted butter, optional
• Additional old-fashioned oats, optional

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, wheat germ, salt and yeast. In a small saucepan, heat water and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients just until moistened. Add 3 cups all-purpose flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into five portions. Shape each into a loaf. Place in five greased 5-in. x 3-in. x 2-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
• Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Brush with melted butter; sprinkle with additional oats if desired. Cool. Yield: 5 mini loaves (5 slices each).
  
  Editor's Note Two greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pans may be used; bake for 35-40 minutes.

Oatmeal Mini Loaves published in Best of Country Breads , p48