What is the history of oatmeal bread?

Oat bread was first manufactured in Britain, where the first oat bread factory was established in 1899 . In Scotland, they were, and still are, held in high esteem, as a mainstay of the national diet.

Is oatmeal bread healthier than white bread?

Oatmeal would be the much better choice . It has far more fiber with one cup yielding 4 g of fiber compared to only 1.6g in two slices of white bread. The calorie comparison would be fairly close with the oatmeal weighing in at around 165 Cal. and the bread at 150.

Is oatmeal bread healthy to eat?

Since oats are highly nutritious and linked to a number of health benefits, oat bread can be a healthy choice . They are high in fiber, which among other things can help you manage blood sugars after meals. Older research shows that oat bread may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, too.

Is oatmeal bread healthier than wheat?

Oats are also richer in protein than wheat (about twice the amount) , which is obviously beneficial if you're trying to build and repair muscles; they have a bevy of vitamins, like vitamin E, and nutrients, like iron and calcium. Oat bread may contain whole grain oat groats, steel-cut oats, and thick oats.

Why can oats not be used in baking bread?

In bread making processes, oats behave in a distinctly different way to wheat. Oat proteins do not form similar gluten networks to wheat and thus the wheat bread making process cannot be used as such for oats. However, around 10% of wheat flour can easily be replaced with oat flakes.

What do you eat with oatmeal bread?

Gluten free oat bread pairs perfectly with nut butters for an even more filling snack. It works as a sweet treat, too, with spreads like jam or honey butter. It's only lightly sweet, so it makes great toast topped with avocado slices and a sprinkling of salt.

Where did oatmeal originally come from?

Oats were cultivated in ancient China as far back as 7000 B.C., but the ancient Greeks were the first to eat oatmeal as the porridge-type cereal we know today. People around the world enjoy oatmeal in several different ways.

What was oatmeal originally made for?

The Romans, in need of a cheap, weather-resistant crop to produce large quantities of animal feed, were the first to cultivate oats to feed their horses, mules and oxen .

Where is oatmeal originally from?

Oats originate from West Asia like wheat and barley that grow wild there. Around 12,000 BC people started farming but no one found any use for oats. When people started to grow wheat in Scandinavia and Poland, though, about 2000 BC, they noticed that actually the oats grew a lot better than the wheat there.

Who invented oatmeal and why?

Oats have been known for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of human consumption dates to more than 30,000 years ago, when it appears that wild oats were ground into a porridgelike oatmeal. Ancient Greeks and Romans knew that oats were edible, but the grain was typically only eaten by animals and peasants.

A Look at the Next 365 Days {Recipe: Country Oatmeal Bread} (2024)

October 5, 2012

Jump to Recipe -

I grew up in a home where bread with stuff in it was the norm. Hearty whole grain bread with oatmeal, nuts, wheat bits and more… the more stuff baked inside the bread, the better. I not so affectionately called it old people bread. Oh, how I longed for soft, tender pieces of white Wonder bread. It rarely happened… at our house my parents loved old people bread so that’s what we all got.

Fast forward to today… I can’t get enough of old people bread. I love real butter slathered on a slice of whole grain bread or thick oatmeal bread…or “oldmeal” bread.

Funny because today, October 5th, I turn 39. Although my parents were just a tad older when I remember them eating old people bread, back then, I thought they were old. Ancient in the eyes of a young kid. And here I am today… officially old to my kids and eating old people bread.

39…wow. You know how you say when you have kids you can’t believe they are another year old. I’m kind of at the point today. I can’t believe I have one more year of my 30’s left. I’ve never been one to get upset by a number, especially when it comes to age, but I’ve really been thinking a lot about my next 365 days. This past year I’ve accomplished quite a bit, but I’ve also let a lot of bad habits slip back in. Here are a few things I want to gain control of in the next 365… before I turn the wonderful “big 4-0”.

I started running this past year and I felt fantastic and was so proud of myself… until I stopped. Breaking my toes and then getting a stress fracture put a halt to any motivation I had, so I stopped. By the time I’m 4-0 I want to have ran 365 miles. That’s my goal. It’s nothing too high, but at a few miles a day a few days a week, it should be easy to do. I just need to get back to getting it done.
I lost 30 pounds this past year. When I stopped moving, I gained 15 of it back. I LOVED how great I felt 30 pounds lighter. I had more confidence, felt better about my health and well being. Enjoyed shopping and pretty much everything more. My goal is to get back down to that weight or close… even if it isn’t *that* weight, I want to fit into my skinny clothes and find the body that makes me feel as good as I was feeling!
I need to schedule regular date nights (and another vacation) with my husband. No if, ands, or buts… this has to happen. Getting the calendar out this weekend and am going to find a babysitter to pencil in for one date each month.
I have some seriously bad habits… in the next 365 I want to get a grip on drinking my water, cutting out soda completely, eating breakfast and simply developing habits that are better for my health. Licorice bites for lunch is probably not an ok thing anymore.
I need to get a baseline mammogram and go to the dentist. Today, I will be scheduling those appointments.
I want to nurture some of the friendships I have. Friends are very, very important and deserve to have some priority in my life.
I want to start working with a life or organizational coach of some kind. I miss how organized my life used to be. By the time I’m 40, I want to feel like I am in more control of my routines but I need help. Somewhere along the way I have lost my ability to self-motivate. My self-discipline in so many areas has gone out the window, and that’s not a good thing. By the time my birthday rolls around next year, it is my hopes to have some routines, good habits and more firmly in place.
I am going to start a book club.

So that’s that… 365 days to go and I have some lofty goals, but I am bound and determined to ring in 4-0 as the healthiest version of myself I can be… both physically and mentally.

In the meantime, I’ll keep munching on old people bread and enjoying my developing old people palate. Starting with this tender, soft, delicious Country Oatmeal Bread.

Grow old with me..and eat bread with me. Sounds like a nice life plan, doesn’t it?

Print Pin

Homemade Country Oatmeal Bread for the Bread Machine

A hearty, delicious bread recipe from Red Star Yeast. I adapted this recipe by halving the ingredients and using my bread machine. For the non-bread machine method, visit this link for Country Oatmeal Bread on their website.

Ingredients

2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons butter melted and cooled
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 cup Quick Oats
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tablespoon Quick Oats for topping

Instructions

Place all ingredients but the Quick Oats for topping into your bread machine. Select the dough cycle and start.
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough and place it in a greased 9x5x2 loaf pan. Set in a warm place, cover, and allow to rise until double in size.
Brush loaf with water and sprinkle Quick Oats across the top of the loaf.
Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake loaf 25-30 minutes until lightly browned and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pans to wire rack to cool.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
October 5, 2012 at 10:42 am

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! I can only hope to write a post like this when I turn 39. You are a huge inspiration and role model to so many food bloggers – personally and professionally. Also, congrats on the 30 pounds lost! I have no doubt you’ll get back to your happy place and weight. CELEBRATE BIG today!!! xoxo
Heather Miller says
October 5, 2012 at 10:45 am

Happy birthday! Today my baby girl turns two! Someone told me the other day it’s the most common birth day in the U.S. a fact I was unaware of! Have a wonderful day!
- Kristen says
  October 5, 2012 at 10:51 am
  
  Happy birthday to your sweetheart!
  October 5th is the most popular day to be born… track conception back and it’s New Years Eve 🙂 Little October 5th trivia!
Wenderly says
October 5, 2012 at 10:52 am
See Also
Caramel Apple Dip Recipe Oreo Turkey Cookies. Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe - 30 minutes meals Gluten Free Spice Cake {And Homemade Mix Recipe!} - Fearless Dining Cinnamon Raisin Breakfast Casserole Recipe

What lovely goals Kristen! Really made me stop and think too. Think I’ll be making some goals myself. Hope you have a delightful day! And I know that you’re going to have an INCREDIBLE 365 days! xo
Dana says
October 5, 2012 at 10:56 am

Happy Birthday, Kristen! Those are some wonderful goals. Enjoy your birthday!
Crystal @ Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says
October 5, 2012 at 11:18 am

Happy Birthday! Isn’t it amazing how birthdays can really make us re-evaluate our lives… I love your goals. Good luck with them – I know you’ll accomplish them and start 40 how you want to!
I love the name old people bread… I guess I’m old too because that’s what I love too. 😉
merry jennifer says
October 5, 2012 at 11:22 am

I’m facing my own birthday in a few weeks, so reading your list of goals for the next 365 days was inspiring. I hope your day is wonderful, but even more, I hope this is your best year yet!
Jackie Davis says
October 5, 2012 at 11:36 am

Happy, happy birthday.
My 40’s were some of my best years. I turned 50 this year and have really embraced and celebrated everything from my life, to my work, to my loves and my relationships (parents, friends , siblings, etc.). No matter which birthday it may be, I thnk it is great to reevaluate. Good luck on everything. I enjoy your blog and YOU inspire me!
Jackie
Maureen says
October 5, 2012 at 11:38 am

Enjoy 39! Your goals are great – I think you are too hard on yourself, but the goals you have set are practical and attainable – you will have a great year! Thanks for posting the oatmeal bread recipe – I saw it on instagram and was hoping you’d send us the recipe – could be breakfast for me tomorrow! Love, Maureen
Christy@My Invisible Crown says
October 5, 2012 at 12:20 pm

Oh I remember 39 (sort of)! It was a good year. I love your goals! So direct and focused and centered. You’ll make it. I know you will. Enjoy your birthday and the coming 365 days. I’m so glad you were born! Have an awesome day. Christy
Pat Wogan says
October 5, 2012 at 12:23 pm

I,too, think you are too hard on yourself. I just this morning told Aunt Rose about your vision board. Maybe you need to post your goals where you can see them everyday. Positively, I think every year should be better, and it is. Just as you plan to get back to running in small increments, your weight loss should be approached in the same way….and I think the two probably go together. You are one of the most organized people I know. I don’t know how you do all you do. Would you be my life coach? Love, and Happy Birthday!
Karly says
October 5, 2012 at 1:44 pm

Happy Birthday, Kristen!
I have a post scheduled for Monday about old people cookies! Haha!
msfood says
October 5, 2012 at 1:53 pm

Once again you have a wonderful read! Not only is it inspiring…it was just what I needed!!! ;o)
I have said it before but I’ll say it again! You are a wonderful person, wife, Mom, friend and amazing human being!
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!! I hated turning 30 and 50 but 40 was a good one for me! Embrace it!!! Go for the gusto!!
I’m anxious to watch your year unfold!
Love, D.
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
October 5, 2012 at 1:57 pm

I love your birthday post ! Have the happiest of days today!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
October 5, 2012 at 2:02 pm

Love these resolutions. If your coach has some good organizational recommendations, would love for you to share!! 🙂 And I love that you’re scheduling date nights. You and your husband are too cute together!!
Happy happy birthday to you! So proud of all you have already accomplished!
Heidi @foodiecrush says
October 5, 2012 at 2:22 pm

You are almost in the club, the Club 4-0. And let me just tell you, it really isn’t that bad. Enjoy the last of your 30’s but know that 40’s brings another whole level of love, sophistication and patience, with yourself and those around you, that the 30’s never could deliver. I love you 365 plan, I’m going to join you on almost every one of them. How about setting up a club/hastag/something we can cheer and motivate one another to do. As if you needed another thing to coordinate. I’m so thankful to call you a friend, and thankful I had the past 365 to get to know you better. Happy birthday. CLINKS! (that can be coffee or wine, your choice.) XO
LyB says
October 5, 2012 at 2:50 pm

Happy birthday, Kristen! I’m sure you’ll accomplish those goals and more in the coming year!
Cassie says
October 5, 2012 at 3:04 pm

I love this post, Kristen! Your long-term goals are perfect! I hope you are having a fabulous birthday…so blessed to know you. You are an inspiration to many!!
carrian says
October 5, 2012 at 3:07 pm

Kristen, this post is completely perfect. I love how you write anyway, but today’s is exactly what I love about you. You’re honest and always working on yourself and appreciating those around you. I love that about you. Truly. Happy birthday my friend, I have much to learn from you, and I cannot wait to get to know you better. Oh, and I totally think there should be an online book club. It’s good for us bloggers to unplug.
Julie says
October 5, 2012 at 6:59 pm

Happy Birthday! I am trying to remember back to 39…I just know the older we get the faster the time goes. Your goals are inspiring! Makes me think about just want I want to accomplish next year. And I love the recipe for the “old people” bread. Look forward to following along this next year!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
October 5, 2012 at 8:14 pm

Happy Birthday my sweet friend! I love your list and need to create one too. Here’s to a kick butt 365 year! xoxo
Laura says
October 6, 2012 at 8:10 am

Sounds like you had a good year. Congrats on all you accomplished and good luck to you in the next 365 days. My birthday is coming up on the 13th and this is a great way to reflect on the past and look to the coming year.
Dusty says
October 6, 2012 at 3:25 pm

You are very inspiring. I really enjoy your recipes and honesty!
Ginger Riggins says
October 6, 2012 at 4:19 pm

Great Plan!! I am inching ever so closer to the big 4-0. March 27 marks that day! I’m hoping to attempt a half-marathon before that day happens and lose about 15 more pounds to get back to my pre-marriage weight!! After having 4 kids and working in has only taken 16+ years! I hope your list goes well! I’m slowly crossing things off mine as well!
Kim Bee says
October 6, 2012 at 4:56 pm

Okay first of all… Happy Birthday!
You have accomplished so much. I have every faith you will follow through on all your goals. I like the friend thing, I have a few really good gf’s and I cherish those friendships so much. It makes life so much better. You have people to vent to, to laugh with, and to hold you up when feel like falling. It’s amazing.
Love the bread. There is nothing better than a hearty, comforting load of bread.
Lisa says
October 7, 2012 at 10:46 am

What a lovely post Kristen. I remember feeling the same way at 39. I’m a couple years on the other side of 40 now and can honestly say life is still good, though I also could adopt any one of your goals and make them mine without much editing. The husband part aside, of course 🙂 Thanks for reminding me that goals take time, and nothing ‘fixes’ in a day. Here’s to an amazing 365 to come.
Stacey says
October 7, 2012 at 5:48 pm

I love your goals – I’ve got 10 years on you (waaaah!) but I’m still trying to find ways to better myself and my life. It’s a life process. You may inspire me to get running?? I’ve always been active and used to be quite the gym rat lol but running eluded me somehow…..
Happy to share some virtual wishes for your birthday! xo
Sarah @ Will Run for Pasta says
October 7, 2012 at 7:06 pm

Awesome list, I’m all about birthday goals over new year’s goals now! When I turned 34 in August I made a list of 35 things to do before I turn 35. I love the idea of tracking your miles, 365 is totally possible and I imagine you’ll end up surpassing it. I can relate in one way or another to all of your goals above and I’m so excited for what this year is going to bring you!
Christy says
October 7, 2012 at 7:41 pm

I just found your blog via my friend Amanda, and was here all about the bread recipe!! Is there a recipe for it without using a bread machine (mine broke and until I move back to the states I won’t be buying one). If you happen to have one, I’d love to be able to make this.
Blessings
- Kristen says
  October 13, 2012 at 11:01 am
  
  Hi Christy – I am so sorry it took me so long to get back to you! Yes… the Red Star Yeast actual recipe makes 2 loaves without a bread machine. Here’s a link for you! http://www.redstaryeast.com/our-best-recipes/breads-rolls-and-more/country-oatmeal-bread
heidi says
October 8, 2012 at 11:13 am

This looks so good. Great bread recipe.
Buy Here Pay Here
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
October 9, 2012 at 10:36 am

I’m a little late to the part…but I’m just extending the bday festivities. 🙂 I love your goals. I feel like my goal needs to be to set some goals. Sigh. And um yes…can I invite myself to be a virtual extension of your book club?!? I’m a book junkie!!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
October 12, 2012 at 12:51 am

I love oatmeal bread, this looks wonderful! Hope you had a great birthday!
Lisa says
October 17, 2012 at 7:48 pm

I love this “…I am bound and determined to ring in 4-0 as the healthiest version of myself I can be… both physically and mentally.”
You can do it!
Deborah Rosen says
December 27, 2012 at 1:03 pm

I made this today, adjusted just a little for my dietary needs – it’s one of the best breads I’ve ever made. Thanks for the recipe – it’ll appear often on our table.

Trackbacks

[…] the Next 365 Days {Recipe: Country Oatmeal Bread} Dine and Dish Fri, October 5, 2012 3:33 PM UTC Dine and Dish Rate thisLoading … Share (function(){var […]
[…] I turned 39, I wrote that one of my goals for the next year was to really nurture my friendships. I’ve […]
[…] you training to run a half-marathon in October? Didn’t you write out all of these lofty goals on your 39th birthday and said you were going to make 39 the best year […]
[…] This recipe is featured at Dine & Dish. […]