Surprise ending devastates entire family

After my last loaf bread was full of health and fiber, I had a hankering for something sweeter.  While I intend to mostly bake basic whole wheat breads to have around the house, I wanted to get some practice with other types, too.  You know, for science.  I also wanted to try out some of the other settings on my Sunbeam bread maker.  In flipping through their manual, I found an ExpressBake loaf that would satisfy my sweet tooth.  Knowing I had both oatmeal and dates in the pantry (Toddler Girl loves dried fruit!), I had to try this Oatmeal Date bread.  After I learned first hand that the Sunbeam recipes call for way too much yeast, I used a lot less without too much hesitation.  My very first loaf of bread called for the same amount of flour and one packet (2-1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast so I used that as my guide.  For some reason (maybe because of the oatmeal?), it specified fast-rising or bread machine yeast, so I did use that.

This recipe was about as good as bread can get.  It could easily be served for dessert with honey butter or even just plain.  The best part is that there is no sugar added, but the dates add plenty of sweetness. Toddler Girl had no problem stuffing this one down, especially after I drizzled smushed-up blueberries on top.

Here's where this story takes a turn.  I have a dog with a sweet tooth that's even worse than mine.  The bread was wrapped in foil, toward the back of the counter.  After leaving for an errand in the afternoon, I came home to foil on the floor in the kitchen and a Very Guilty Dog under the dining table.  He. Ate. Almost. A. Whole. Pound. Of. Bread.  My very delicious Oatmeal Date bread that I was so excited to share with my husband when he came home.  Fury! Outrage! Yelling!  Even more fury when I found him slinking around with another hunk of bread that he had hidden behind the couch.  And another next to the desk.  And ANOTHER next to the bar.  I almost un-adopted him.  But how could I blame him?  The bread was really, really good.

What's really sad is that this story has an almost-funny addition.  I decided to make another loaf before hubby made it home and Toddler Girl was even patient enough to play in the sink while I hurried to get it done.  Hurried so much I started the bread machine without attaching the kneading blade.  More Fury!  I carefully scooped out the yeast, then the not-so-dry flour & oatmeal, and stuck it in.  Then dumped everything sort of carefully back in.  The 2nd loaf was not nearly as good, of course.

• Recipe: ExpressBake® 2-lb. Setting Recipe from Sunbeam's manual on page 34
• Mistakes: None
• Changes: Used 2-1/4 teaspoons of yeast instead of 2 tablespoons
• Rating: 5/5 Juicy Blueberries
• Next time: Keep it in the pantry, not on the counter

Rest In Peace, Oatmeal Date Bread from/in Heaven