Anadama Bread

Transport yourself back to Early American times with this traditional New England recipe for Anadama Bread. Featuring a unique combination of cornmeal and molasses, this bread is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early settlers. Passed down through generations, this recipe has stood the test of time and continues to delight with its distinct flavor and hearty texture. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen shares this slice of history, allowing you to recreate this classic bread in your own kitchen.

With a preparation time of 40 minutes and a baking time of 25 minutes, this recipe yields one loaf of Anadama Bread, which can be sliced into approximately 12 servings. The process begins by cooking water and cornmeal together until thickened, then stirring in molasses and butter. This mixture is cooled before being combined with yeast, warm water, salt, and flour to form a soft dough. After rising and shaping the dough into a loaf, it undergoes a final rise before being baked to a golden brown color.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour

PREPARATION:

1. In a small saucepan, bring water and cornmeal to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in molasses and butter. Let cool to 110°-115°.
2. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the cornmeal mixture, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Punch the dough down and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan. Cover and let it rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until browned. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.

YIELD: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)

PREP TIME: 40 minutes

BAKE TIME: 25 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Allow the cornmeal mixture to cool to the specified temperature range to ensure the yeast activates properly.
• When shaping the dough into a loaf, ensure it fits well in the greased loaf pan to maintain its shape during baking.
• To check for doneness, tap the bottom of the bread and listen for a hollow sound. This indicates that the bread is fully baked.

TIPS:

• Serve Anadama Bread warm with a slathering of butter for a truly comforting treat.
• Experiment with different variations by adding raisins, nuts, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• Use this bread as a base for sandwiches or toast slices and serve with your favorite spreads or toppings.

Step back in time and savor the flavors of Early America with Anadama Bread, a classic recipe that originated in New England. Combining cornmeal and molasses, this bread is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early settlers. Passed down through generations, this recipe continues to captivate with its unique combination of ingredients and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

With a preparation time of 40 minutes and a baking time of 25 minutes, you can easily recreate this traditional bread in your own kitchen. The process involves cooking water and cornmeal together, then combining them with molasses and butter before incorporating yeast, warm water, salt, and flour to create a soft dough. After rising and shaping the dough into a loaf, it undergoes a final rise before being baked to a beautiful golden brown.

The result is a loaf of Anadama Bread that boasts a delightful texture and a distinct, slightly sweet flavor. Enjoy it warm, fresh out of the oven, or toast it and spread it with butter for a comforting treat. For added variety, you can experiment with different variations by incorporating raisins, nuts, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough.

Anadama Bread is not only a delicious addition to your table but also a connection to the rich culinary history of New England. Share this slice of tradition with your loved ones and relish in the flavors of Early America. Let the aroma of freshly baked bread fill your home, transporting you to a time when simplicity and resourcefulness shaped the culinary landscape.