(Yes, it's a bit of work, but everything worthwhile is.)
Start with a large bowl.
Add 5 cups warm water (click here for the best temperature)
Add 2 tbs yeast (stir with a whisk, spoon, or fork)
Allow to sit for 10 minutes
Add two large eggs
Add 1/2 cup of honey
Add 1 tbs salt
Add 1 tsp baking powder
Add 1 tsp baking soda
Add 4 tbs olive oil
(stir with a whisk, spoon, or fork)
Add 2 cups raisins
(stir with a whisk, spoon, or fork)
Add 10 cups whole wheat flour
(Optional: In addition to the 2 cups of raisins, add a cup of dried cranberries)
gently stir with a large sturdy spoon (you can also use your hands)
On a flat nonporous surface, pour out 4 cups rolled oats. (Typically I prefer old fashioned rolled oats, and you can use them for this, but for this recipe, quick oats are better.) Spread the oats out so there is a thin layer. Pour and scoop the dough out on the oats. Start kneading with your hands. This can actually be enjoyable, it can be a stress reliver and a decent exercise. Click here for: how to knead bread. BTW, this is one time, as long as it stays on and directly above the surface you are kneading on, this is one time it's ok to get a little aggressive and perhaps work out some of your frustrations.
After kneading just a minute ot two, (have prepared in advance) add 1 more cup or whole wheat flour.
Continue to knead another two or three minutes and add another prepared cup of whole wheat flour.
Continue to knead. Kneading should last in total about 12 minutes.
Place the ball of bread dough back into the original bowl. There will likely be a little dough left from the original mixing and this will allow it to be absorbed into the bowl.
Place a dry towel over the bowl of bread dough and allow to rise for one hour.
Pour another two cups rolled oats (quick is best for this) onto the same surface and spread out just enough to allow the risen dough to be placed on the thin layer of oats.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Spray with oil (olive if available) 5 or six bread pans.
Place the ball of dough on the think layer or oats. Roll it in the oats to cover the outside of the ball. Using a knife or dough scraper, slowly but firmly divide the dough into 5 or six mostly equal parts. I do not cut to the surface but stop just above and then pull the pieces apart. Gently roll each part on the think layer of oats. Please into sprayed bread pans and allow to rise for another hour.
Place in preheated oven and allow and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove, allow to cool, remove loafs of bread. Enjoy.
