Oatmeal Bread

Add salt to boiling water and stir in oatmeal and shortening. Let stand until entire mixture is lukewarm.

Crumble yeast in a large mixing bowl.

Add 1 teaspoon sugar and 1/4 cup lukewarm water.

Let stand 1 hour.

Dissolve brown sugar in 1/2 cup lukewarm water and add to yeast mixture.

Stir in one-half of the flour into the yeast mixture and beat until smooth.

Add the remaining flour and the oatmeal mixture to make a stiff dough. Knead lightly on a floured board until smooth.

Let the dough rise, covered, until doubled in bulk.

Punch the dough down and divide in two parts.

Let the dough stand covered on a lightly floured board, about 15 minutes.

Form each portion into loaves and place in greased bread pans and let rise until doubled in bulk.

Bake at 425° for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375° and finish baking for 25 to 30 minutes.