Homemade bread

I've always wanted a really good bread recipe. Until recently, I was having trouble finding one. Either people rave about their recipe but won't share it with you because they're sworn to secrecy, or you're at a restaurant and they simply don't give out their recipes, or you find a recipe, make it, and the bread is too dense.

I've finally found a really good bread recipe, and I am happy to share it. It makes four round loaves, and this bread is delicious. Honey instead of sugar, white and whole wheat flour and oats. Mmmm. Try it. I guarantee it will be worth your time. And really, this is an easy recipe.

Honey-oat bread

3 cups milk
1/2 cup honey
4 T. butter or margarine
1 tsp. salt
2 T. yeast
1 cup oats
6 cups white flour, unbleached
2 cups whole wheat flour

Scald milk in a small pan. Pour hot milk into a large mixing bowl and add honey, butter and salt. Stir occasionally until lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast over milk. When dissolved (and slightly bubbly):

Add oats, whole wheat flour, and 2 cups of white flour. Beat until combined. Gradually add remaining 4 cups of white flour. Beat (I use my hands at the end) until the dough is smooth, elastic and non-sticky.

Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead till smooth.

Wash and lightly oil mixing bowl. Put dough in, cover. Let rise until double.

Punch dough, form into four loaves. Cover and let rise again.

Brush with beaten egg.

Bake @ 350 for 20 minutes (*I remove from the oven at 17 min, so check it early)