Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine boiling water, oats, 1/2 cup honey, butter and salt.

Step 2

Let stand for 1 hour or so.

Step 3

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of the honey added.

Step 4

Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Step 5

Pour the yeast mixture into the oat mixture.

Step 6

Add the combination to the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hooks attached..

Step 7

Add 1 cup of flour and the gluten.

Step 8

Mix well on low.

Step 9

Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, continuing to beat on low.

Step 10

When the dough has pulled together turn the mixer to the manufacturers recommended speed for kneading and knead 8 to 10 minutes (20 minutes by hand).

Step 11

The dough will be smooth and elastic but still slightly sticky.

Step 12

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.

Step 13

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled - about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Step 14

Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 15

Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into loaves.

Step 16

Place the loaves into two lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pans.

Step 17

Mix the egg and water and brush over the loaves.

Step 18

Sprinkle the oats over the top.

Step 19

Cover the loaves with a towel and let rise until doubled - about 40 minutes.

Step 20

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F .

Step 21

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 22

Remove from the oven.

Step 23

For soft crust cover the loaves with a towel and let them cool in the pans for 3 minutes.

Step 24

Put the pans on their sides, cover with a towel and let cool 5 minutes.

Step 25

Remove bread from pan and cool completely before cutting.

Step 26

Cut the recipe in half.

Step 27

Follow steps 1-5.

Step 28

Mix remaining dry ingredients together.

Step 29

Place dry ingredients and yeast mixture into bread machine pan according to manual.

Step 30

Select white bread and light crust settings.

Step 31

Remove oatmeal bread from pan to wire rack when done.

Step 32

Cool completely before slicing.