Grandmother'S Brown Bread

Cuisine: American

Grandmother's Brown Bread is a hearty, moist bread with a rich molasses flavor, perfect for hearty breakfasts or with savory stews. It suits those who appreciate traditional, wholesome baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sweet milk
  • 2 cups sour milk
  • 2 cups cornmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2/3 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix sweet milk, sour milk, cornmeal, flour, molasses, baking soda, and salt well.
  2. Turn the mixture into two well-greased 1-pound coffee cans.
  3. Steam the cans for 3 1/2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk in place of sour milk. If you want to reduce sweetness, decrease the molasses slightly or substitute with honey. Ensure the mixture is thoroughly combined to avoid uneven texture. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. This brown bread pairs beautifully with Easy Chocolate Eclairs for dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this brown bread warm with butter or jam for a delightful snack or breakfast option. It also makes a hearty side dish for soups and stews. Pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For dessert, consider serving alongside a slice of Fudge And Ice Cream Cake for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread by slicing it first and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm them in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandmother'S Brown Bread contains roughly 325 calories, with 4g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1739mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

325 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 76.3g 28% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 45g 90% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1738.8mg 76% DV
Potassium 926.2mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 129.4mg 10% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of regular flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for the regular flour in this recipe. It will give the bread a slightly different texture, but it will work well. Just ensure that the measurements are the same, and you may not need to adjust the liquid content.

What can I use if I don't have coffee cans?

If you don't have coffee cans, you can use other heatproof containers, such as small metal baking pans or glass jars, as long as they can withstand steaming. Just make sure to grease them well and adjust the steaming time as needed to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the bread is done steaming?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also check for a firm texture; it should feel set and spring back slightly when touched. Keep in mind that steaming times can vary based on the size and shape of your containers.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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