Scrumptious, Easy Bread

This bread is amazing. It's super easy to make and works great by itself, as toast, as sandwich bread. It's moist and versatile. Don't be fooled by the raisins; this isn't a spiced dessert loaf. It is yummy, though.

OATMEAL RAISIN BREAD

(adapted from one of King Arthur's recipes)

• 3 cups white whole wheat bread
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 2 TBS butter
• 1 1/2 tsps. salt
• 3 TBS honey
• 2 teaspoons of yeast
• 1 1/4 c. lukewarm milk
• 3/4 c. raisins

1. Add the yeast to the lukewarm milk with a pinch of sugar. Give the yeast about 10 minutes to activate.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients into a fairly moist shaggy dough. Knead by hand for 10 minutes until it's smooth.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise for an hour.
4. Shape the dough into a log and then place it in a lightly greased 9x5 loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it crests 1 to 2 inches over the rim.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.