Boston Brown Bread – A Steamed Delight from Colonial Days
Recipe Overview:
Description: Transport yourself to the charm of Colonial days with this wholesome Boston Brown Bread. Crafted from a harmonious blend of rye and wheat flours, enriched with cornmeal, molasses, and plump raisins, this bread is a nostalgic nod to tradition. What makes it truly special is its unique preparation method – steamed to perfection in a large can or mold. Boston Brown Bread finds its perfect companion in a steaming plate of Boston Baked Beans, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Review Count: 4 reviews
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 490.1
- Fat Content: 9.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 25.9mg
- Sodium Content: 382.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 97.1g
- Fiber Content: 5.4g
- Sugar Content: 42.4g
- Protein Content: 9.3g
Preparation Details:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 2 hours | 2 hours 15 mins | 10 servings |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup dark molasses
- 1 1/3 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups seedless raisins
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F.
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Prepare Can/Mold: Grease a 16 oz coffee can (or a 1 qt pudding mold or baking dish) generously with butter.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine both wheat and rye flours, cornmeal, baking soda, and salt.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in molasses and milk; add raisins and mix until well blended.
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Fill Can/Mold: Pour the batter into the coffee can (or mold/baking dish) until it reaches about 2/3 of the way to the top.
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Seal Airtight: Cover the top of the can with foil and secure it with butcher’s twine, creating an airtight seal.
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Prepare Steaming Setup: Place the can (or mold/baking dish) into a larger, deep baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish, ensuring it comes about halfway up the outside of the coffee can (or mold/baking dish).
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Bake and Steam: Put the setup in the oven. Allow the bread to steam for 2 hours, checking the water level after 1 hour and adding more water if necessary.
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Check Doneness: To check if the bread is done, remove the twine and foil. Insert a wooden skewer into the middle; if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If needed, cover with new foil and twine, continuing to steam until done.
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Enjoy: Once done, savor the delightful aroma and the nostalgia of Boston Brown Bread. Slice and enjoy this steamed masterpiece, perhaps with a side of Boston Baked Beans for the full Colonial experience.
Tips and Notes:
- For a twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Serve slices of Boston Brown Bread with a dollop of whipped butter or cream cheese for a decadent treat.
- Experiment with different molds or cans to create unique shapes for special occasions.
In conclusion, Boston Brown Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a journey back in time, a taste of history on your plate. Steamed to perfection, this bread embodies the heartwarming flavors of Colonial America, making it a delightful addition to your breakfast or brunch table. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the art of steaming, and relish the experience of baking history into every slice. 🍞✨
