The Loaves & The Fishes Oatmeal Bread & Fried Dough

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   ["To make the oatmeal bread:Pour boiling water over oatmeal in a large mixing bowl.", "Add salt and a egg sized scoop of shortening or lard and stir to dissolve; set aside to cool.", "Meanwhile combine yeast in the 1/4 cup lukewarm water in a small bowl.", "Once oat mixture has cooled, add yeast mixture and molasses.", "Knead in enough flour to make a soft dough- amount will vary depending upon the humidity the day you make it; set aside covered, in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.", "Dump dough onto a floured surface and knead about 5-10 minutes, adding additional flour if needed prevent sticking (again- this amount will vary)- you want a smooth& elastic, dough that isn't sticky.", "Divide into two balls and form into loaf shapes.", "Set into greased loaf pans, cover and let rise until doubled (30-60 minutes).", "Bake in a preheated 350 F oven for 35-40 minutes.", "Brush tops with melted butter while still warm.", "For Fried""Fish"": Let the dough rise the first time, then punch down and chill overnight, covered.", "Prepare a deep fryer using vegetable oil, heating oil to 370 degrees F.", "Set dough onto a floured surface and (do not knead) roll out to 1/4 inch thickness.", "Using a floured fish shaped cookie cutter, cut out fish shapes.", "Tes fry a dough scrap before you begin- it will rise to the surface at once, then puff out and brown in 1 minute when oil is at proper temp.", "Fry in small batches (don't crowd the pan), and let fried fish dry on paper towel lined plates.", "While still warm, roll in cinnamon sugar or dust heavily with powdered sugar and serve at once."]

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.