ππΎπ Anadama Bread: A Tasty Tale of History and Recipe ππΎπ
What is Anadama Bread?
Anadama bread is a traditional New England bread known for its sweet, cornmeal-infused flavor and slightly chewy texture. It has a lovely golden-brown crust and a soft interior, making it a delightful choice for sandwiches or toast.
History:
The origin of Anadama bread comes with a charming folklore. The story goes that a fisherman from Rockport, Massachusetts, named Anna, was known for serving a simple cornmeal and molasses bread. His wife, tired of repetitive meals, exclaimed in frustration, “Anna, damn her!” Hence, the name “Anadama” was born. The bread became a beloved staple in New England cuisine.
Components:
- Cornmeal: The star ingredient, giving Anadama bread its distinct texture and flavor.
- Flour: Usually all-purpose or bread flour.
- Molasses: Adds sweetness and moisture.
- Yeast: For leavening.
- Salt: For flavor.
- Water: To create the dough.
Steps to Prepare Anadama Bread (ABM – Automatic Bread Machine):
Here’s a simplified version using a bread machine:
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Ingredients Preparation: Gather your ingredients – cornmeal, flour, molasses, yeast, salt, and water.
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Mixing: In your bread machine’s pan, add water, molasses, salt, and cornmeal. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb the liquid.
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Flour Addition: Add the bread flour and yeast to the pan.
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Kneading: Use the bread machine’s dough setting to knead the ingredients together. This typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
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Rising: Allow the dough to rise in the machine for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
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Shaping: Remove the dough and shape it into a loaf. You can use a standard loaf pan for this.
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Final Rise: Place the shaped dough into the loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
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Baking: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Bake the loaf for approximately 30-35 minutes or until it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cooling: Allow your freshly baked Anadama bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Total Time:
The total time required for preparing Anadama bread can vary, but it typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish when using a bread machine. This includes mixing, rising, shaping, and baking.
π©βπ³π VoilΓ ! You now have a bit of New England history and a delicious recipe to try. Enjoy your homemade Anadama bread, and feel free to get creative with it by adding nuts, seeds, or even a touch of cinnamon for a unique twist! π½π―ππ¨βπ³
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anadama Bread:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving, based on a standard recipe):
- Calories: 150-200 calories per slice (varies based on slice size)
- Total Fat: 1-2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0-0.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 150-200 milligrams (varies based on recipe)
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 5-7 grams (naturally occurring sugars from molasses)
- Protein: 3-4 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: Anadama bread is moderately calorie-dense, so it’s essential to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Low in Fat: It’s relatively low in fat, making it a healthier choice compared to some other bread varieties.
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No Cholesterol: Anadama bread typically contains no cholesterol, making it heart-friendly.
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Moderate Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the recipe, so be mindful of your sodium intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
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Good Source of Carbohydrates: It provides a good source of complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy.
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Dietary Fiber: Anadama bread contains dietary fiber from cornmeal, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
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Iron and Calcium: Some recipes might enrich the bread with iron and calcium due to the molasses, which can be beneficial for overall health.
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Enjoy in Moderation: While Anadama bread can be part of a balanced diet, it’s best not to overindulge, as excessive consumption of any bread can contribute to excess calorie intake.
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Customization: You can make Anadama bread healthier by using whole-grain flours, reducing the molasses for lower sugar content, and adding seeds or nuts for added nutrition.
Remember that the exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredient proportions used. Always check packaging or nutritional labels if you buy commercial Anadama bread for precise information. Homemade variations can also be customized to suit your dietary preferences and needs.