In a large bowl mix the boiling water, oats, honey, butter, and salt. Let stand for 1 hour. (This is important!) Butter a large mixing bowl and two loaf pans. Set aside.
After one hour, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Stir well.
Pour the yeast mixture into the oat mixture. Add 5 1/2 cups of flour and stir until dough forms.
Turn onto well floured surface to knead. Add additional flour as needed while kneading.
Knead for 8-10 minutes or until a ball forms and becomes smooth and elastic.
Rub the top of the dough with butter and place in the prepared buttered bowl. Cover and let rise for about 40 minutes or until doubled.
Punch dough down and divide into two halves. Flatten dough and shape each half into 12x10 rectangles. Roll into loaf and place in pans.
Let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled.
After the second rise brush the top of the loaves with the egg wash and sprinkle with oats.
Bake at 350 F for 27-30 minutes.
