Starla's Maple Oat Bread

INGREDIENTS
1c old fashioned oats
1c boiling water
1pkg (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
1/3c warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2c maple syrup
2t canola oil
1 1/2t salt
3 1/2 to 4c all-purpose flour

TOPPING
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2T old-fashioned oats

DIRECTIONS
 In a blender or food processor, cover and process oats for 6-7 seconds or until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl; add boiling water. Let stand until mixture cools to 110-115°. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/3c warm water; add syrup, oil, salt, oat mixture and 2c flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
 Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a flattened 9-inch round loaf. Place in a greased 9-inch round baking dish. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Brush with egg white; sprinkle with oats. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool.  Yield 1 loaf (16 slices)

-Starla Davis