As you read this week’s column, I will be traveling around Ireland and vast areas of Italy. I’m pretty excited and truly blessed that I’m able to go back to such a beautiful country.

This week I’m writing about the oatmeal bread recipe from my good friend, Jayne “Pooh” Lewis. She posted a picture of her bread on Facebook and it looked absolutely delicious. I private messaged her and asked if she didn’t mind sharing. I am so glad she was on board.

This is what ya going to need: one cup of oatmeal, two cups of boiling water, one tablespoon of Crisco or butter (I had to use butter –  I was out of Crisco), one tablespoon of salt, a half of cup of molasses, two packages of yeast, and five cups of flour.

As you know, making bread can be tricky. I made bread a lot way back when; it’s been a while for me so it’s like relearning. OK, mix everything together with the boiling water except the flour – that’s the last thing you add. You must wait until the ingredients cool down before adding your flour. While this is cooling, take your two yeast packets and add them to a half cup of lukewarm water.

It’s time to add your flour and yeast. I added one cup of flour at a time, slowly mixing it well together. If you’ve ever made bread, there’s a certain consistency you are looking for, not too wet, but not too dry, if that makes any sense. Set aside the dough in a warm place in your house and let it double in size. After that, add a little flour on your counter and knead the dough. Divide it in half, cook in a greased bread pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or on 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Take the bread out of the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack. You will not be disappointed. This bread is so tasty.

I want to thank my dear friend Jayne for sharing. Mine didn’t rise as much as I wanted but, wow, it didn’t matter. The flavor was there.

The next time I sit at my desk I’ll be writing about my new adventures, wines, lots of pasta and French baguettes.

Remember to live, love and always laugh.

Please everyone stay safe for Halloween … my husband will be handing out candy on Sea Street.