Hardy Oatmeal Bread

6 cups all-purpose flour -- unbleached

1/2 cup whole wheat flour -- stone-ground

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons yeast

1 tablespoon salt

2 cups oatmeal

2 cups hot water

2/3 cup warm water

Pour 2 cups hot water over oatmeal. Set aside. Mix brown sugar into 2/3 cup warm water and add yeast to proof. When yeast has foamed & frothed to about twice the original volume, add to oatmeal mixture. Add remaining ingredients. Knead well. Let rise until doubled. Punch down shape into loaves and let rise again. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Makes 2-3 loaves.