Cloudy Days are for Baking!

After the thunderstorm kept me and Carli awake (Eli and Sammy slept right through it) for more than an hour last night, I was definitely ready for a pajama day. It's now quarter to five and I'm still wearing them! Sometimes you just have to do that!

The day started out very cloudy and gloomy, and we needed something to cheer us up, so we decided to make bread! It was super easy to make, and turned out delicious. It's two points per slice, but for homemade bread, it's worth it. I knew I wouldn't be able to resist a couple of thick slices, so I was ready to spend my points allowance on it. I ate 17 points with the butter and jam, and I am totally happy with that!



The recipe is from the 2003 Weight Watchers Annual Recipes for Success.

Oatmeal-Molasses Bread Prep: 15 min, Rise: 70 min, Cook: 35 min

1 package dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 Tbsp molasses
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup regular oats
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
Cooking Salt

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Add molasses; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with knife. Combine 1 cup flour, oats, oil and salt. Add flour mixture to yeast mixture, stirring to form a soft dough. Gradually add remaining flour.
2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 2 minutes). Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place, 35 minutes or until doubled in size.
3. Punch dough down; place on a lightly floured surface. Knead about 10 times; roll into a 12x7-inch rectangle. Roll up rectangle tightly, starting with a short side, pressing firmly to eliminate sir pockets; pinch seam and ends to seal. Place roll, seam side down, in an 8x4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Cover; let rise 35 minutes or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
5. Uncover dough. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes or until loaf is browned and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack. Yield: 14 servings, 2 points each.

The bread is really delicious! I doubled the recipe... why make bread unless you can take a loaf to a neighbor?