Easy Little Bread

I know it's been a while, but I'm still here!  And I have a few new things to share later thanks to time spent with a dear friend.  This simple bread was dense and delicious.  I bet you have everything you need already.  The trick is to start the bread, then make applesauce while it's cooking and have a softened chunk of butter waiting nearby when both are done baking/cooking.  YUM! 


1 1/4 cups warm water
2 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
1 Tbsp honey
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp butter, melted, for brushing


In a medium bowl, sprinkle the yeast onto the warm water and stir until the yeast dissolves.  Stir in the honey and set aside for a few minutes, until the yeast blooms and swells a bit; 5-10 minutes.

In the meantime, mix the flours, oats, and salt in a large bowl.  Add the wet mixture to the dry and stir very well.

Brush a 8-cup loaf pan generously with some of the melted butter.  Turn the dough into the pan, cover with a clean, slightly damp cloth, and set in a warm place for 30 minutes, to rise.  (this is when you can start the applesauce!)

Preheat the oven to 350, with a rack in the middle.  When ready, bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, until golden and pulling away from the sides of the pan.  I finish things up be leaving the bread under the broiler for just a heartbeat - to give the top a bit deeper color.  Remove from oven, and turn the bread out of the pan quickly.  Let it cool on a rack so it doesn't steam in the pan.  Serve warm.

Makes one loaf.