Ingredients

• 1-3/4 to 2-1/4  cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3  cup rolled oats
• 1  package active dry yeast
• 1  cup warm water (120 degrees F. to 130 degrees F.)
• 2  tablespoons honey or maple-flavored syrup
• 1-1/2  teaspoons cooking oil
•   Nonstick spray coating
•   Skim milk
•   Rolled oats
• 2/3  cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2  teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a medium mixing bowl combine 1-1/4 cups of the all-purpose flour, the 1/3 cup oats, the yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the water, honey or syrup, and oil. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed 3 minutes. Stir in whole wheat flour and as much of the remaining all-purpose flour as you can.

2. On a lightly floured surface knead in enough remaining all-purpose flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Spray a bowl with nonstick coating. Place dough in bowl; turn once. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (50 to 60 minutes). Punch down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.

3. Spray an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan with nonstick coating. Shape dough into loaf; place in pan. Cover; let rise until nearly double (30 to 45 minutes). Brush with milk; sprinkle lightly with additional oats.

4. Bake in a 375 degree F. oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Remove from pan. Cool on wire rack. Makes 1 loaf (16 servings).

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare and bake bread; cool completely. Freeze in a freezer container or bag up to 1 month. To serve, thaw bread at room temperature.