Herbed Oatmeal Pan Bread

This one takes some work, but SO WORTH IT!  I just love this with lasagna.

Herbed Oatmeal Pan Bread (Taste of Home)

1 c. oatmeal
2 Tbsp. yeast
¼ c. sugar
3 Tbsp. butter, softened
4-4 ¾ c. flour
1 ½ c. boiling water
½ c. warm water
2 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten

In a small bowl, combine boiling water and oats. Cool to lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, butter, egg and oat mixture and 2 c. flour. Beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead 6-8 min. Let rise until double (about 30 min). Punch down and press evenly into a greased 9x13 pan. With a sharp knife, cut diagonal lines 2 inches apart, completely through dough. Repeat in opposite direction. Cover and let rise 1 hour. Redefine pattern with knife tip. Brush with 2 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 min. Add topping:

2 Tbsp. melted butter
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried basil
½ tsp. dried oregano

Combine cheese and herbs. Brush bread with butter and sprinkle with herb and cheese mixture. Bake 5 min. Loosely cover with foil and bake 5 min. more. Serve warm. 8-10 servings.
Jenny