Boston Brown Bread Recipe π
Overview:
This Boston Brown Bread is a delightful quick bread that’s not only easy to mix but also a joy to make, especially in coffee cans, as it’s steamed instead of baked. Perfect for those weeknights when you’re craving something comforting and wholesome, this recipe will surely become a staple in your home. With its blend of cornmeal, whole wheat flour, molasses, and raisins, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions:
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Prepare Milk Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the milk and vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to let the milk sour slightly.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, spoon the cornmeal, whole wheat flour, and baking soda. Gently mix them together until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- To the soured milk mixture, add the molasses and raisins. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the liquid mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a smooth batter forms.
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Prepare Cans:
- Butter two 1 lb coffee cans or other cans with a 5-cup capacity generously.
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Fill Cans and Steam:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cans.
- Cover the top of each can with dome-shaped rounds of aluminum foil, buttered on the underside.
- Secure the foil with rubber bands.
- Place the cans on a rack in a large kettle.
- Pour enough water into the kettle to reach 3/4 of the way up the sides of the cans, ensuring they’re not floating.
- Cover the kettle and simmer for 2 hours to steam the bread, ensuring a moist and tender texture.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the bread from the kettle and allow it to stand on a wire rack until it’s cool enough to handle.
- Gently remove the bread from the cans and serve warm for a comforting treat.
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Reheating:
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it on a rack in the kettle.
- Add hot water to the kettle, ensuring it’s below the level of the rack.
- Simmer for 30 minutes to warm the bread through, maintaining its soft and moist texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1222.5
- Fat: 13.6g
- Saturated Fat: 6.2g
- Cholesterol: 34.2mg
- Sodium: 1128.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 261.7g
- Fiber: 21.9g
- Sugar: 90.8g
- Protein: 28.2g
Serving Suggestions:
This Boston Brown Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings, such as butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey. Enjoy it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and satisfying snack. Additionally, it can be served as a delightful accompaniment to soups, stews, or hearty salads for a complete meal experience.
Storage Tips:
To store any leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the bread for longer storage, ensuring it’s wrapped securely to prevent freezer burn. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
Final Thoughts:
With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, this Boston Brown Bread is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed freshly baked or reheated, it’s a versatile and comforting addition to any mealtime or snack time spread. So gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to create this wholesome and delicious bread that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! π₯π