Maple Honey Oatmeal Bread

After 12 years of it sitting in my basement I dusted off my never used Kitchen Aid mixer and started concocting all sorts of treats this Summer.  One my favorite discoveries was bread making is super easy with a stand mixer and dough hook attachments. Experimenting with different recipes, flours and add-ins was fun and I actually found a few to put in my permanent file; this recipe being one of them. It's a basic wheat bread recipe with a secret ingredient -- one packet of maple brown sugar instant oatmeal.This simple addition adds just the right amount of sweetness and flavor to the bread and is perfect for PB&J or honey & cream cheese sandwiches or French toast.

Ingredients
2 cups of warm water (110 degrees F)
0.25 oz packet of active dry yeast
1/3 cup of honey
2 1/2 cups of  white bread flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1.6 oz packet of instant maple brown sugar oatmeal
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions

• In a large mixing bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. 
• Add  white bread flour and using the paddle attachment on a stand mixer stir to combine about 2 -3 minutes. 
• Replace paddle on the stand mixer with dough hook attachment. 
• Add whole wheat flour and the packet of maple brown sugar instant oatmeal. 
• Knead with dough hooks on low to medium speed for 7 - 9 minutes or until the dough has a good elasticity to it, but not sticky.
• If dough is too sticky add bread flour a tablespoon at a time until you have the right consistency.  If it's too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time.
• Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. 
• Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until doubled.
• Punch down, divide and shape into 2 small loaves.  Place on a baking sheet lined with a silicon mat or parchment paper. You could spray the baking sheet with cooking spray, but I find the parchment or baking mats work best.
• Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes or until slightly golden brown; do not overbake. 
• Lightly brush the tops of loaves with melted butter when done to prevent crust from getting hard. 
• Cool completely

Servings
2 medium sized loaves

A Broken Oven Tip
Use a packet of instant cinnamon oatmeal instead of the maple brown sugar and add a 1/2 cup of so of raising for delicious raisin bread.  Great for breakfast!