Herbed Oatmeal Pan Bread

This is a favorite of the Ramsey household and is very popular at potluck dinners.

1 ½ cups boiling water
1 cup old-fashioned oats (quick oats also seem to work fine)
2 pkg. (1/4 oz. each) active dry yeast
½ cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
¼ cup sugar
3 tblsp. butter or margarine, softened.
2 tsp. salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
4-4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

TOPPING
¼ cup butter or margarine, melted, divided
2 tblsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried basil
½ tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. garlic powder

In a small bowl, combine boiling water and oats; cool to 110-115 degrees. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, butter, salt, egg, oat mixture, and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth, Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface’ knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Punch dough down and press evenly in to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. With a very sharp knife, cut diagonal lines 1-1 ½ inches apart completely through dough. Repeat in opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Redefine pattern by gently poking along cut lines with knife tip. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Brush bread with remaining butter; sprinkle with cheese mixture. Bake for 5 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake 5 minutes longer. Serve warm.