Rosemary/oat bread

Hello!

I have been going, going, going for the past little while...it was time for my body to yell STOP. I stayed home today, feeling like I could barely move. Sore throat, aches and pains all over, dizzy - you name it. 

I was getting bored, in bed all day, and I was craving some fresh bread - fitting for a rainy day. Because I had nothing but time, I experimented with this rosemary/oat bread. It did not disappoint! With a thin, golden crust and a soft core, it would be perfect for sandwiches. 

Here goes....

Rosemary/Oat bread:

- 1 tbsp active dry yeast

- 3/4 cup warm water

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

- 1 cup whole wheat flour

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tbsp dried rosemary

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 2 tbsp maple syrup

- 1/2 tsp salt

In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp of the warm water with the sugar, and sprinkle the yeast on top. Leave it to proof for 10 minutes or until foamy. 

Pour the remaining warm water over the oats and leave to soften, for about 15-20 minutes. 

In a big mixing bowl, combine yeast mixture, oats, olive oil, rosemary, maple syrup and salt. Mix well. Add whole wheat and all purpose flour and mix until dough starts to come together. Tip onto a floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes. 

Place ball of dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a dish towel and let rest for 2 hours. 

After 2 hours, punch down the dough to deflate slightly, then place into an oiled loaf pan. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with a few oats, as well as a pinch of dried rosemary. Lightly press the oats and rosemary into the dough. 

Before the second rise

Cover again and let rest for another 1.5 hours. 

After the second rise

Preheat oven to 350F. 

Bake for 20 minutes uncovered, then cover with foil and bake for another 25 minutes. 

Turn loaf onto a wire rack and let cool for a bit if you can resist digging into it right away!

..............................

I feel guilty for missing work and my run today (and possibly tomorrow if I don't feel better), but sometimes, the body forces you to stop and rest. 

I had a very bad long run on Sunday under the Vancouver sun. I struggled to keep going as my legs just didn't seem to cooperate! I should have listened to what my body was trying to tell me then!

Have a relaxing evening everyone :)