"stirred" Oatmeal Bread Recipe

Recipe for "Stirred" Oatmeal Bread:

History of the Recipe:
Oatmeal bread has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in regions where oats are a staple crop. This particular recipe for "stirred" oatmeal bread dates back to the early 20th century when leftover oatmeal porridge was creatively transformed into a delicious and wholesome bread. The technique of stirring instead of kneading makes this recipe unique and easy to prepare.

Fun Facts about Oatmeal Bread:
1. Oats are a great source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making oatmeal bread a nutritious choice.
2. The texture of oatmeal bread is slightly denser and heartier compared to traditional bread. It also has a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
3. Leftover oatmeal porridge is an ideal base for oatmeal bread as it adds moisture, flavor, and nutrition to the final product.
4. The use of New Orleans molasses in the recipe gives the bread a hint of sweetness and adds depth to its flavor profile.
5. The incorporation of lard and butter creates a rich and tender crumb in the bread.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover oatmeal porridge (from breakfast)
- 2 cups scalded, lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon lard and butter mixture
- 1/4 cup New Orleans molasses
- 1 Fleischman's yeast cake, dissolved in a little milk
- Approximately 6 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the leftover oatmeal porridge, scalded milk, lard and butter mixture, molasses, and the dissolved yeast cake. Mix well.

2. Gradually stir in about 3 cups of bread flour until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1/4 hours, or until doubled in size.

3. After the first rise, add the remaining 3-1/2 cups of bread flour and salt. Stir the mixture well with a spoon until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Grease three small bread tins and divide the dough equally among them.

5. Allow the dough to rise in the bread tins until well-risen. This may take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

6. Preheat the oven to a moderately hot temperature.

7. Bake the bread for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. You can check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the bread loaf - if it sounds hollow, it is done.

8. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the tins for a few minutes. Then transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy this delicious and wholesome "stirred" oatmeal bread with a variety of toppings, such as butter, honey, jam, or even as a base for sandwiches.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Oatmeal Raisin Bread: Add a cup of raisins to the dough when incorporating the flour. This will yield a delightful bread with bursts of sweetness throughout.
- Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon into the flour before adding it to the dough. This will infuse the bread with a warm and aromatic cinnamon flavor.
- Savory Oatmeal Bread: Swap the New Orleans molasses for 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and add 2 tablespoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the dough. This will result in a savory, herb-infused bread that pairs well with soups and stews.

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