Oatmeal Buttermilk Wheat Bread

This was my first homemade bread experience...(although I used to make bread with my mom growing up all the time...) and for the most part, it went well. Except it did rise to astronomical heights and I also didn't oil the bread pan enough, so the bottom of it got stuck to the pan a bit. Over all it had good flavor but it was a bit heavy - and I still think I prefer my mom's classic whole wheat honey bread :) I will have to get that recipe from her next!

Oatmeal Buttermilk Wheat Bread
Ingredients:

1½ cups rolled oats, divided
1 cup boiling water
¼ cup room temperature water
2 tbsp. + 1 tsp. agave nectar (or honey), divided
2 tsp. instant yeast
1½ cups buttermilk, at room temperature
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2½ cups whole wheat flour
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. salt

Directions:
Set aside ¼ cup of the rolled oats. Place the remaining oats in a medium bowl. Cover with the boiling water, mix well, and let sit uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the soaked oats, room temperature water, 2 tablespoons of agave, yeast, buttermilk, olive oil, 2 cups of each flour, and salt. Mix briefly on low speed until ingredients are combined. Mix in the remaining ½ cup of each flour. Switch to the dough hook and knead on low speed for about 10 minutes. The dough will be wet, cling to the hook, and have a satiny finish.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, flattening it with your hands to release the excess air bubbles. Form the dough into a 12 x 6-inch rectangle and position it so the long side is facing you. Fold the two shorter ends onto the top so that they meet in the middle. Starting with the closest end, roll the dough away from you tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Transfer the loaf to an oiled loaf pan, pressing it so that it reaches all the corners. Mix the remaining agave nectar with ½ a teaspoon of very hot water. Brush over the top of the loaf, and sprinkle with the reserved oats. Let rise for about 30 minutes, just until the loaf rises over the top of the pan.

Preheat the oven to 375˚ F. Bake the loaf for 1 hour. Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Source: Annie's Eats, adapted from Confections of a Foodie Bride, originally from Macrina Bakery and Cafe Cookbook