The Old Feather Bed and Grandma's Oatmeal Bread

The Feather Bed Adventures

Childhood Playtime

As a child, my brother and I were captivated by Grandma's towering feather bed. Its lumpy mattress was a playground for us, and since I was too small to climb up on my own, my brother would get down on all fours, allowing me to clamber up his back. The bed seemed to swallow us whole, and we would often disappear into its many layers, enveloped by the scent of violets, rose petals, and duck feathers.

A Sticky Situation

One memorable incident involved me getting stuck in the bed's feathery embrace. As I struggled to free myself, my brother, in his haste to fetch Grandma, sprained his arm. This was a common occurrence; the feather bed had a way of ensnaring us, both physically and emotionally.

Grandma's Oatmeal Bread

The Baking Ritual

Our visits to Grandma's house were incomplete without her famous oatmeal bread. She would bake two loaves—one for my brother and me, and one for her and Grandpa. The forty minutes it took to bake felt like an eternity to us. Every few minutes, we would pester her, asking if the bread was ready, only to be shooed away with a loving but firm "Shoo, you two!"

The Heavenly Aroma

When the bread finally emerged from the oven, the kitchen was filled with an oaten, buttery, nutty, and brown-sugary aroma that we believed must be what heaven smells like. Despite our impatience, Grandma would always cut the bread before it had fully cooled, resulting in slightly squished slices that tasted divine nonetheless.

The Feather Bed and the Bread Collision

Breaking the Rule

There was one cardinal rule at Grandma's house: no food on the feather bed. One day, while Grandma was distracted by a visit from our neighbor Mrs. Jackson, my brother seized the opportunity to break this rule. He grabbed all the bread, including my half, and ran into Grandma's bedroom.

The Great Chase

I chased him, squealing in mock anger, but he only laughed and climbed onto the feather bed, knowing I couldn't reach him. In a desperate bid to retrieve the bread, I pulled at the comforter, but he held on tight. Just as Grandma's footsteps approached, he hid the bread in the bed's stuffing and jumped down, feigning innocence.

The Aftermath

The next time we visited, we noticed a butter stain on the comforter. Grandma sat us down and told us that Grandpa was no longer allowed to sleep in the feather bed because he had supposedly made it smell bad by hiding bread in it. My brother and I, feeling guilty, confessed everything. Grandma chuckled, revealing that she had known all along and just wanted us to come clean.

Feather Bed Oatmeal Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1 ¾ cups quick oats
• 1 package quick-rise yeast
• ½ cup warm water
• ½ tbsp salt
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 4 to 5 cups unbleached flour

Instructions

1. Boil Water: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and dissolve the brown sugar and butter in it. Pour this mixture over the oats, stir well, and let it cool to lukewarm.
2. Activate Yeast: Dissolve the yeast in ½ cup of warm water and add it to the cooled oatmeal mixture.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine the whole wheat flour and salt with the oatmeal and yeast mixture using an electric mixer.
4. Add Flour: Gradually add the unbleached flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky. This should be done by hand.
5. Let Rise: Place the dough in a covered bowl and let it rise for about 1 hour.
6. Shape Loaves: Divide the dough into three equal parts, shape into loaves, and place them in greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise for another hour.
7. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter.

Pro Tip

Keep the bread away from the feather bed to avoid any mishaps!

Interesting Stats

• According to a 2020 survey, 68% of Americans have fond memories associated with their grandparents' cooking (Source: Pew Research Center).
• Homemade bread baking saw a 54% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought comfort in traditional recipes (Source: NPR).

This nostalgic tale and the accompanying recipe serve as a reminder of the simple joys of childhood and the enduring love of family. Whether you're baking this bread for the first time or the hundredth, may it bring a touch of Grandma's warmth into your home.