Oatmeal Buttermilk Bread

1 1/2 tsp dry yeast

2 TBsp warm water

3/4 cup + 2 tbsp warm buttermilk

2 tbsp honey

2/3 cup rolled oats (not instant) plus extra for topping

1+1/2 cup bread flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

2 TBsp melted butter

Method :

1. Dissolve the yeast with the water in a small bowl and leave for 10 minutes until foamy. Mix the honey with the melted butter in another bowl. Stir together the flours, the oat and salt in a mixing bowl ,then add the yeast and the honey+butter mixtures along with the buttermilk into the flours mixture, mix with a dough hook to form a ball and knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl , cover and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until double in volume.

2. Turn the dough out onto a working surface and knead for a minute to deflate the dough. Shape the dough into a loaf and place in a 8 1/2 inch greased loaf pan, cover and let rise for ± 45 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Cut the bread lengthwise, brush with an eggwash and sprinkle some oats over the top before baking.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, turn out on a wire rack to cool before slicing and serve.