Boston Brown Bread

Boston Brown Bread is a traditional New England bread known for its dense texture and slightly sweet flavor. It’s unique because it’s typically steamed rather than baked, giving it a moist and hearty texture. The bread is usually made with a combination of whole wheat flour, rye flour, cornmeal, and sometimes, buttermilk or molasses, which contribute to its rich flavor and dark color.

Here’s a basic recipe for Boston Brown Bread:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup rye flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or molasses (for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups buttermilk (or regular milk, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (optional, for richness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steaming Setup:

   • You will need a large pot or steamer with a lid. Fill the pot with a few inches of water, but not enough to touch the bread when placed inside. Bring the water to a simmer.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rye flour, cornmeal, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar (or molasses).

3. Add Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and melted butter. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thick.

4. Prepare the Steaming Mold:

   • Grease a 1.5 to 2-quart pudding mold or an empty coffee can (for traditional presentation) with butter. Pour the batter into the prepared mold, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

5. Steam the Bread:

   • Place the mold into the simmering pot, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the batter. Cover the pot with a lid, and steam the bread for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check occasionally to make sure there’s enough water in the pot. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve:

   • Let the bread cool in the mold for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Slice and serve with butter, or use it to accompany soups and stews.

This dense, flavorful bread is great for breakfast or as a side to a hearty meal, especially in colder months. Enjoy!