Lammas Raisin Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Cook the oats in 4 cups boiling water until they are just soft about 5-10 minute
2. 2
   Stir in honey, salt, and wheat germ.
3. 3
   Allow to cool to lukewarm.
4. 4
   Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water and stir into oats with 3 cups of the wheat flour.
5. 5
   Beat this sponge with wooden spoon for a few minutes.
6. 6
   Cover bowl with tea towel.
7. 7
   Let rise in warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until doubled volume.
8. 8
   Stir down sponge.
9. 9
   Stir in raisins & remaining 3 cups wheat flour.
10. 10
    Sprinkle 1 cup white flour over a flat surface and turn the dough out onto it.
11. 11
    Sprinkle the second cup of white flour on top of the dough and carefully begin kneading.
12. 12
    Knead for about 10 min or until smooth and elastic.
13. 13
    Form into ball.
14. 14
    Put in large, buttered bowl.
15. 15
    Turn so it is evenly buttered.
16. 16
    Cover with tea towel and put the dough away to rise for another hour or until doubled in volume.
17. 17
    Punch down.
18. 18
    Cut into 4 even parts.
19. 19
    Form each into a loaf and place in 4 buttered medium-size pans.
20. 20
    Cover with tea towels.
21. 21
    Let rise for about 1/2 hour.
22. 22
    Bake in preheated oven at 400F for 15 min, then turn heat down to 350F and bake for another 30-40 minute.