Savory Summertime Oat Bread

 

Ingredients

 

Makes 2 loaves (24 slices)

 

Nonstick cooking spray

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

• 2 cups whole wheat flour

• 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided

• 2 cups uncooked old-fashioned oats

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 packages quick-rise active dry yeast

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 1 1/4 cups fat-free (skim) milk

• 1/4 cup margarine

• 1 cup finely shredded carrots

• 3 tablespoons dried parsley leaves

• 1 tablespoon margarine, melted

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Method:

 

1. Spray small nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Cook and stir onion 3 minutes or until tender. Set aside.

2. Stir together whole wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, oats, sugar, yeast and salt in large mixer bowl. Heat water, milk and 1/4 cup margarine in medium saucepan over low heat until mixture reaches 120° to 130°F Add to flour mixture.

3. Blend at low speed just until dry ingredients are moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed. Stir in carrots, onion, parsley and remaining 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour until dough is no longer sticky.

4. Knead dough on lightly floured surface 5 to 8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in large bowl lightly sprayed with cooking spray; turn dough over. Cover and let rise in warm place about 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.  

5. Spray two 8X4-inch loaf pans with cooking spray. Punch dough down. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Shape into 2 loaves; place in pans. Brush with melted margarine. Cover; let rise in warm place 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

6. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.