New England Anadama Bread
Anadama bread offers a hearty, slightly sweet flavor profile with cornmeal and molasses, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, appealing to bread lovers and those craving traditional New England fare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place boiling water and cornmeal in a bowl, stir to combine and let stand for 1 hour.
- Add molasses or cane syrup, salt, and butter or Crisco to the mixture.
- Mix well.
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast and lukewarm water (105° to 115°) until dissolved.
- Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cornmeal and molasses mixture.
- Work in about 4 1/2 cups of flour.
- Knead thoroughly until smooth and elastic on a floured surface.
- Shape into two loaves and place in greased loaf pans.
- Let rise until double in size.
- Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when thwacked with fingers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of cane syrup. If you're out of cornmeal, you can substitute with finely ground polenta. Make sure to check the water temperature when activating the yeast; too hot can kill it. Kneading well is crucial for good texture, so don’t rush that step. This bread pairs beautifully with Instant Strawberry Ice Cream for a delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Anadama bread is delicious served warm with butter or as a base for sandwiches. It pairs well with soups, stews, or even a hearty breakfast alongside Potatoes O'Brien. For a sweet treat, enjoy it with a spread of jam or a slice of cheese. This versatile bread also complements desserts like Mud Pie(Chocolate Icebox Pie) for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover Anadama bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; slice the bread before wrapping and freezing for easy access. To reheat, simply pop slices in the toaster or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Anadama Bread contains roughly 2073 calories, with 12g protein, 275g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (187% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), and iron (99% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just be aware that the texture may be denser. If using more than that, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
If your bread did not rise, it may be due to expired yeast or water that was too hot or too cold when activating the yeast. Ensure the water is between 105°F and 115°F for best results. Additionally, be sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can make Anadama bread in a bread machine. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine, usually liquids first, followed by dry ingredients. Select the basic bread setting and monitor the dough to ensure it has the right consistency.
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).