Use slow cooker to thaw and raise bread.  It gives it a beautifully

brown crusty round loaf.  Generously grease frozen bread loaf.  Place in completely greased baking pan.  Place pan in pot, cover and heat on low 2-3 hours or until bread is thawed and starting to rise.  Turn to high and bake 2-3 hours or until it is brown and tests done.

Women's Home Cooking

(from Cristi White -via e-mail)