Oatmeal Molasses Bread

Oatmeal Molasses Bread Recipe
A favorite oatmeal bread with molasses and milk and rolled oats.
INGREDIENTS:
* 2 packages active dry yeast
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 1 1/2 cups milk, scalded
* 1/3 cup shortening
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1/2 cup molasses
* 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
PREPARATION:
Combine yeast and warm water in a cup or small bowl; set aside.
Pour scalded milk over shortening, salt, and molasses.
Stir until shortening melts. Cool to lukewarm then stir in 1 cup flour, yeast mixture, and oats.
Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Round dough into a ball and place in a buttered bowl; turn over to grease both sides.
Cover with a dish cloth and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down; cover and let rest 10 minutes. form into two loaves. Place in greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
Brush tops with melted butter. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, until nearly double in size.
Bake at 375° for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from pans immediately and cool on racks.
Brush with more melted butter while hot for a softer crust.