2 pkgs. active dry yeast
1/3 c. warm water
2 c. boiling water
1 c. oatmeal, quick cooking
2 tbsp. butter
6 c. flour, sifted
1/2 c. honey
2 1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. cracked wheat (optional)

Place yeast in 1/3 cup warm water; stir once and let rise a little. Pour boiling water over oatmeal, salt, and butter in large mixing bowl. Let stand until cool.

Dissolve yeast in water and add to oatmeal, along with honey and cracked wheat if used. Mix well. Stir in about 2-3 cups of the flour and place mixture onto a flat surface and knead in the rest of the flour. Knead for 8-10 minutes.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 hour. Punch down dough and divide into two equal parts. Roll out dough into 12x6 inch rectangles, then roll up like a jelly roll, punch ends down and turn under. Place seam side down in a greased bread pan and allow to rise again 1 more hour. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes, until dough springs back to the touch. Makes: 2 loaves.