Authentic Boston Brown Bread is a rustic and hearty bread that offers a delightful old-fashioned flavor that is truly out of this world. This recipe captures the essence of traditional New England baking, where frugality and resourcefulness led to the creation of this delicious bread. Combining cornmeal, whole wheat flour, rye flour, molasses, and other simple ingredients, this bread showcases the ingenuity of New Englanders who stretched their precious wheat flour by incorporating readily available alternatives.
With a moist and tender texture, a touch of sweetness from molasses and brown sugar, and the added crunch of toasted walnuts and sweetness of raisins, this bread is a flavorful treat that will transport you back to simpler times. Served with a smear of cream cheese, if desired, this bread makes for a delightful breakfast or snack.
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rye flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted
- 3 tablespoons raisins
- Cream cheese, softened (optional)
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, whole wheat flour, rye flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, brown sugar, and canola oil.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened.
- Fold in the toasted walnuts and raisins.
- Transfer the batter to a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan and cover with foil.
- Place the pan on a rack in a boiling-water canner or other large, deep pot. Add 1 inch of hot water to the pot.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil, then cover and steam the bread for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, adding more water to the pot as needed.
- Remove the pan from the pot and let the bread stand for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and transferring it to a wire rack.
- Serve the Boston Brown Bread with cream cheese, if desired.
YIELD:
Makes 1 loaf (12 slices).
COOKING TIME:
Preparation: 20 minutes. Cooking: 50 minutes + standing time.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Make sure to cover the loaf pan with foil to create a sealed environment for steaming.
- Monitor the water level in the pot to prevent it from completely evaporating during cooking.
- Let the bread stand before removing it from the pan to allow it to set and cool slightly.
TIPS:
- Toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.
- Experiment with different additions such as dried cranberries or chopped dates for variety.
- Enjoy this bread warm or toasted with a spread of cream cheese for an extra touch of creaminess.
In conclusion, Authentic Boston Brown Bread is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of New Englanders, who creatively stretched their limited wheat flour supplies by incorporating cornmeal and rye flour into their bread recipes. This hearty and flavorful bread captures the essence of old-fashioned New England baking, delivering a rustic and delicious experience.
With a combination of cornmeal, whole wheat flour, rye flour, molasses, and other simple ingredients, this bread offers a moist and tender texture with a touch of sweetness. The addition of toasted walnuts and raisins provides delightful bursts of flavor and texture, making each bite a satisfying experience.
To achieve the authentic steamed texture and preserve the rustic charm of this bread, it is cooked in a covered pan over boiling water, which imparts moisture and creates a perfect environment for steaming. The resulting bread is moist, fragrant, and utterly delicious.
Serve the Boston Brown Bread warm or toasted, accompanied by cream cheese if desired, for a delightful breakfast or snack. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to simpler times and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional New England baking or simply seeking a unique and flavorful bread to enjoy, Authentic Boston Brown Bread is a wonderful choice. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple preparations, and indulge in this rustic delight that pays homage to the resourcefulness and rich culinary heritage of New England.
