Herbed Oatmeal Pan Bread

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine boiling water and oats; cool to 110°-115°. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, butter, salt, egg, oat mixture and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
• Punch dough down and press evenly into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. With very sharp knife, cut diagonal lines 1-1/2 in. apart completely through dough. Repeat in opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Redefine pattern by gently poking along cut lines with a knife tip. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and garlic powder. Brush bread with remaining butter; sprinkle with cheese mixture. Bake for 5 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake 5 minutes longer. Serve warm.
  Freeze option: After placing dough in pan and cutting diamond pattern, cover tightly and freeze. To use, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Let rise, covered, in a warm place until doubled, about 11/2 hours. Bake as directed.