Herbed Oatmeal Pan Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup rolled oats
3 tablespoons butter
3 3/4 - 4 3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5 teaspoons regular dry yeast
1 egg (beaten)
HERB TOPPING optional
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
6 tablespoons butter

Preparation

Grease 9x13 baking pan.
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan and stir in the rolled oats.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons butter; cool to lukewarm (about 110-120 degrees).
In a large bowl combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add the rolled oat mixture and beat well till moistened--continue blending for about 3 minutes.
Add the beaten egg and mix well.
Then add 1 3/4-2 1/2 cups of flour for form stiff dough.
On floured surface, knead in 1/2-3/4 cups more flour till dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
Shape into a ball, cover with a large bowl leaving it on the counter and rest about 15 minutes.
Punch down dough several times to remove any air bubbles.
Press into the greased pan.
Using a very sharp knife, cut diagonal lines 1 1/2\" apart, cutting completely through the dough; repeat in opposite direction creating a diamond effect.
Cover with greased plastic wrap and cloth towel and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes till double.
Herb Topping: (optional) Mix the basil, cheese, and garlic powder together and set aside; melt the butter and keep separate.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Brush top with butter and then the Herb Topping and return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or till done.