Norwegian Oatmeal Molasses Bread

Directions

• In a bowl, pour boiling water over oats. Let stand until mixture cools to 110° to 115°, stirring occasionally.
• In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the molasses, oil, salt, oat mixture and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat top. Cove rand let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
• Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape into loaves. Place in two 9x5-in. loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks. Brush with melted butter.