1 pkg. dry yeast
1/4 c. lukewarm water
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. molasses
1 tsp. salt
1 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. raisins; optional
2 c. boiling water
5 1/2 c. flour, no more than 6 c.

Mix yeast, water, and sugar together; set aside. Mix shortening, brown sugar, molasses, salt, oatmeal, raisins, and boiling water together in a very large bowl. Cool to lukewarm. Mix and add the yeast and flour. Mix together well. Dough will be on soft side.

Tightly oil dough and cover with a towel. Let raise to double in bulk. Put into 2 greased bread pans or into buns. Raise until double in bulk again. Bake in 425 degree oven for 45 minutes.