2 cups oatmeal
4 cups hot (nearly boiling) water
1 cup molasses, whichever variety / strength you prefer
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 packet yeast (or 1 cake or 2 1/4 tsp. bulk yeast)
1 cup water, decrease by amount added if water is needed to check yeast for activity
9 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. salt

Add water to oatmeal in large bowl. Allow to cool; this may take an hour or two. Add molasses, oil, yeast, and remaining water.

In a separate bowl, sift flour and add salt. Take the flour mixture and add it to the oatmeal/molasses mixture all at once until combined. This will take a decent amount of time and effort, but don't give up, it's worth it. Cover with a loose towel or plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 5-8 hours, ideally overnight.

Pound down the dough with a spoon and separate into 3 bread pans. Allow to rise in a warm environment, if necessary set the oven to low and turn off, placing the loaves in the oven until doubled.

Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 1 hour or until set in center. Enjoy!

Makes 3 loaves.

Submitted by: Kristin