New England Anadama Bread

To keep that bread maker busy here is another fantastic loaf recipe for you to try. This one has molasses and cornmeal for added flavor and texture. Beyond superb toasted with butter and jam.

As written in the cookbook 250 Canadian Best Bread Machine Baking Recipes, this bread was named for Anna, a farmer's wife, who refused to bake for her husband and who ran off with a tradesman. Upon discovering this, it is rumored the farmer was heard whispering "Anna damn her" as he kneaded cornmeal mush, starter, molasses and four for his dinner.

There is a happy ending to the story. Well for us at least. Their marital breakdown brought us this sweet, dense loaf of bread. I intend to send a note of thanks to the tradesman.

Tip: If you don't like a somewhat strong taste of molasses, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of brown sugar for 1 tablespoon of molasses.

LET'S GET STARTED!

RECIPE:
*source recipe: 250 Canadian Best Bread Machine Baking Recipes

Makes 1/5 lb loaf

WHAT YOU NEED

1 1/4 cup water at room temperature
1/4 cup skim milk powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons molasses (not blackstrap)
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or vegetable oil (neutral flavor only)
3 cups bread flour
1/3 cup cornmeal
1 1/4 teaspoon bread machine yeast

MAKE IT

ADD all of the ingredients, in the order as listed, to your bread-maker pan
SET cycle for 1.5 loaf, medium crust
SELECT Basic Cycle and commence cycle
WHEN loaf is baked, remove immediately from pan and allow to cool on rack for 1/2 hr before slicing.

ENJOY!