This recipe came with the ranch when Ken and Randy Sue Fosha bought the historic Drowsy Water Ranch in the ’70’s. Rumor has it this recipe won the county fair!
YIELD
5 (BIG!) loaves
2 Tablespoons yeast
1/2 Cup sugar
1 Cup warm (not hot) water
3 eggs
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Dry Milk
2 Tablespoons Salt
4 Tablespoons shortening
3 Cups hot water
12-13 Cups flour
DIRECTIONS
Combine yeast, 1/2 cup sugar, and warm water in small bowl. Set aside.
In separate bowl, combine eggs, dry milk and salt. Set aside.
In separate bowl or saucepan, combine hot water and shortening and mix until shortening is mostly melted. Let cool to room temperature.
In large mixing bowl, combine yeast mix with egg mix. Slowly pour in shortening and water. Add in the first half of the flour, then add remaining flour 1 Cup at a time until dough is wet but forms a loose ball.
Turn dough onto floured counter and kneed for 8-10 minutes. Return to bowl, cover loosely, and allow to rise until double, about 1-2 hours.
Turn dough out onto counter, punch down, and divide into 5 equal parts. Shape into loaves with seam side down and place into greased bread pan. Allow to rise until double again, about 1-2 hours.
In separate bowl stir together flour, soda, baking powder, salt, and oats.
Fold in dry ingredients and mix, dough should be stiff, add more flour if needed.
Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
Preheat oven to 350°
Bake loaves for 20 minutes until golden brown on top. Brush tops with melted butter immediately after taking out of the over. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then turn loaves out of pans and allow to cool completely. Serve!