Homemade Brown Bread

Homemade Brown Bread

1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup old fashioned oats
2 Tbsp shortening
2 tsp salt
1 package (1 Tbsp) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
4 3/4 to 5 1/4 cups all purpose flour
Melted butter or margarine

In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients.  Cool to 110-115 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.  Sprinkle with sugar.  Add oat mixture, brown sugar, molasses and 3 cups flour; mix well.  Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.  Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.  Place in a greased bowl; turn once to grease top.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.  Punch dough down.  Divide in half; shape into loaves.  Place in two 9x5x3 in. loaf pans.  Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 min.  Bake @ 375 for 30-35 min. or until golden brown.  Remove from pans; cool. Brush with butter.  Yield: 2 loaves.