2 tbsp. butter
2 c. boiling water
1 c. rolled oats
2 pkgs. yeast
2 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. molasses or honey
6 c. or more white flour
Special ingredients

1. Pour boiling water over oats and let it stand 1/2 hour.

2. Soak yeast in 1/3 cup warm water - let butter soften.

3. Add salt, butter, molasses and special ingredients to oat mixture.

4. Add yeast, 1/2 at a time, alternating with 2 cups flour.

5. Knead in remaining flour to make a stiff dough.

6. Cover, let rise 3/4 hour until dough is doubled. Punch down. Put in two buttered large loaf pans.

7. Let rise 3/4 hour until doubled.

8. Bake in cold oven at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until done.

Special Ingredients:

Choose one of the following sets:

1) 1 cup seedless raisins

2) 1/2 teaspoon parsley, 1 teaspoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon anise seed, 2 teaspoons savory, 1/4 teaspoon thyme

3) 2 teaspoons sage, 1 teaspoon marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon caraway

4) 1/2 cup marmalade - in this case, use just 1/4 cup of molasses.