Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread

Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread is a traditional New England dish that’s known for its moist and slightly sweet texture. It’s typically steamed rather than baked, which gives it a unique and dense consistency. Here’s a simple recipe for Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steamer: Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and place a steamer basket inside. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a simmer while you prepare the bread batter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the molasses and buttermilk until the batter is well combined. If you’re using raisins, fold them into the batter.
4. Grease the Pan: Grease a 1 1/2 to 2-quart heatproof bowl or a traditional Boston brown bread can (or a coffee can with both ends removed) to use as a mold for the bread.
5. Fill the Mold: Pour the batter into the greased mold, filling it about 2/3 full.
6. Cover and Steam: Cover the mold tightly with aluminum foil, securing it with a rubber band or kitchen twine. Place the mold in the steamer basket, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Check the water level periodically and add more hot water as needed.
7. Cool and Serve: After steaming, carefully remove the mold from the pot and let the bread cool for a few minutes before removing it from the mold. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
8. Serve: Boston Brown Bread is traditionally served with baked beans, but it can also be enjoyed with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spreads.

This Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread has a distinctive flavor and is a wonderful accompaniment to savory dishes. The steaming process gives it a moist and dense texture that sets it apart from traditional baked bread.