Cranberry Oat Bread

The Farmers Wife Original.
 This recipe is for a Bread Machine, though I am sure you could make it without. I've made this recipe several times before, almost always for fall, and typically with raisins. It goes wonderfully with the Cran-Apple Butter, which is actually what is spread on the bread in the picture. As you already know, I adore fall and cooking this bread is another way to make your home have that wonderful scent of fall. I tortured my Hubby and his Cousin last saturday night while this bread was baking (and myself too lol!), and as soon as it was out we devoured some. This is a good hearty bread, wonderful for a quick breakfast.

This recipe is for a 1 1/2 lbs. loaf. Should be baked on your Bread Machine's standard setting, and light crust.
Ingredients:
1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
1 1/4 Cups Water
3 Tablespoons Oil
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt
3 Cups Bread Flour (or All-Purpose if you don't have bread flour. I've done it both ways and it always comes out great)
1 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
3/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon Cloves
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries (or Raisins)
1 3/4 Teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (I use Red Star Brand, found at walmart)

Directions:
Place all ingredients in the bread pan. Select Light Crust setting, and 1 1/2 lbs loaf and press start.
Observe as the dough kneads, after 5-10 minutes, if it appears dry and stiff or your machine sounds like it's straining, add more water 1 Tablespoon at a time until dough forms a smooth, soft, pliable ball that is slightly tacky to the touch. After it bakes, remove the bread from the pan, and place on a rack or a cutting board and allow to cool 1 hour before slicing (I did not do this... it was WAY too tempting...).

Review:
We love this bread. It really is a great loaf to keep on hand for a quick breakfast. It could easily also be made with Wheat Flour to be even healthier. We absolutely love this with Cran- Apple Butter, or even toasted with some cream cheese, or even just plain! 4.5 Stars.