One steakhouse we like offers coupons - we watch for the prime rib for two special. As soon as you are seated, the waiter brings the little loaf of bread with soft butter on the side. Can’t find that loaf of bread in the store so you just have to make it yourself. This recipe comes pretty close to that appetizer bread. Its great to serve when you have friends over to dinner and if it is just the two of you, the loaves can be frozen for later use. Freeze the unused loaves on a cookie sheet before vacu-sealing. Allow to thaw on the kitchen counter during the day. Warm in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving.

• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats

• ½ cup dark molasses
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups rye flour
• 3 teaspoons active yeast
• 1 egg mixed with
• 1 teaspoon milk for wash

1. Use bread machine to make dough. Place liquids at bottom of chamber. Add sugar, salt and oil.
2. Add rye flour and bread flour on top of the liquids. Add yeast to top of flour. Process using the bread machine dough cycle.
3. After dough cycle is completed, turn dough out on floured surface. Cut into 4 equal size portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
4. Prepare cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased with a sprinkle f cornmeal. Space dough balls evenly about the cookie sheet. Push down slightly to make “sheepherder-shaped loaves.” Cover with towel and set on a warm place to rise until well doubled.
5. Brush each loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with the rolled oats.
6. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes or until nicely browned and crust thumps with hollow sound. Cool on rack for 10 minutes before serving - it will still be nice and warm. Use a serrated bread knife to precut bread - cut down to but not through the bottom crust. Let your guests pull off the part they want. Serve with dollops of soft whipped butter.