Easy Molasses Bread

Easy Molasses Bread Recipe - Native American Delight | Food Recipes

Region / culture: Native America | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 3 large loaves or equivalent

Introduction

Molasses bread is a delicious and hearty bread that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a dense texture that is sure to satisfy your cravings. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike.

History

Molasses bread has been a staple in many households for centuries. It originated as a way to use up leftover molasses, a byproduct of sugar production. The addition of molasses gives the bread a unique flavor and a beautiful dark color. It has since become a popular choice for those looking for a hearty and flavorful bread option.

Ingredients

butter or pure vegetable margarine
0.33 cup whole wheat flour
1 slightly heaping tablespoon salt
2 packets instant yeast
1 slightly heaping tablespoon molasses

How to prepare

Grease three large bread pans - or the equivalent, including cake pans, if you wish - generously with butter or margarine.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add the yeast.
Gently mix the ingredients together.
Dissolve the molasses in a small amount of tepid water, approximately 6.25 cups.
Add the molasses mixture to the flour and gradually mix in the remaining water. Be cautious towards the end, as you may not need to use all of it.
The resulting mixture should be wet enough to not completely clean the sides of the bowl, but should feel 'slippery' and not overly runny.
Fill the pans halfway with the mixture, then cover them with plastic wrap or a damp dish towel and allow them to rise.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Once the loaves have risen to within 0.5 inch of the tops of the pans, place them in the oven.
Bake large loaves for 45 minutes, and small ones for about 35 minutes, or until they turn brown, feel firm to the touch, and produce a hollow sound when tapped on the base with your knuckles.
If desired, you can further crisp the base and sides by returning the loaves to the oven for a few minutes after removing them from the pans.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Add raisins or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for the molasses for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of flour, such as all-purpose or rye, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to generously grease your bread pans to prevent sticking.

- Dissolve the molasses in tepid water to ensure it mixes evenly with the flour.

- Allow the bread to rise until it reaches the top of the pans before baking.

- For a crispier crust, return the loaves to the oven for a few minutes after removing them from the pans.

Serving Suggestions

Molasses bread is delicious on its own or served with butter, jam, or honey. It also pairs well with soups, stews, and salads.

Cooking Techniques

Allow the bread to rise until it reaches the top of the pans before baking.

- Bake the loaves until they are brown, firm to the touch, and produce a hollow sound when tapped on the base.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the molasses for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Molasses bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the molasses bread sliced and toasted for a beautiful presentation. You can also top it with butter, jam, or honey for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Molasses bread pairs well with soups, stews, salads, and sandwiches. It also goes well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover molasses bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toast the slices in a toaster or oven until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of molasses bread contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of molasses bread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of molasses bread contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of molasses bread contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Molasses bread is a good source of iron and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and may contain gluten. It can be easily adapted for those with allergies by using gluten-free flour.

Summary

Molasses bread is a nutritious and delicious option for those looking for a hearty and flavorful bread. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Molasses bread is a delicious and hearty bread that is perfect for any meal. This easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the slightly sweet flavor and dense texture of this homemade bread.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Martha's farm for the summer. Aunt Martha was known throughout the family for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I was always eager to learn from her in the kitchen.

One warm summer afternoon, as we sat on the porch swing sipping lemonade, Aunt Martha mentioned that she was going to bake a batch of her famous Easy Molasses Bread. My ears perked up at the mention of this sweet and savory treat. I had always loved the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, and I couldn't wait to learn how to make it myself.

Aunt Martha led me into the kitchen and pulled out a tattered old recipe card from a drawer. The card was stained and faded, a testament to the many times it had been used over the years. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I watched in awe as she effortlessly mixed and kneaded the dough, her hands moving with practiced ease.

I helped her shape the dough into loaves and watched as she carefully placed them in the oven to bake. The smell that filled the kitchen as the bread baked was intoxicating - a warm, sweet aroma that made my mouth water in anticipation.

When the loaves were finally done baking, Aunt Martha sliced off a thick piece for each of us to enjoy. The bread was warm and soft, with a hint of sweetness from the molasses that lingered on my tongue. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the course of that summer, Aunt Martha taught me how to make her Easy Molasses Bread. I watched and learned as she measured out the ingredients, mixed the dough, and shaped the loaves. I asked her countless questions about baking and cooking, and she patiently answered each one, sharing her knowledge and wisdom with me.

By the end of the summer, I had mastered the art of making Easy Molasses Bread. I had memorized the recipe, knowing it by heart, and I couldn't wait to share it with my own family and friends. Aunt Martha's recipe had become a part of me, a cherished memory of a special time spent learning and cooking with her.

As the years passed, I continued to make Aunt Martha's Easy Molasses Bread, sharing it with new friends and neighbors who marveled at its delicious taste. I added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and flavors to make it my own.

Now, whenever I bake a batch of Easy Molasses Bread, I am transported back to that summer on Aunt Martha's farm, the warm sun on my face and the smell of fresh bread in the air. I am grateful for the lessons she taught me and the memories we shared in the kitchen.

And as I pass down Aunt Martha's recipe to my own grandchildren, I know that I am passing down more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. I am passing down a piece of family history, a tradition of cooking and sharing meals with those we love.

So the next time you bake a loaf of Easy Molasses Bread, remember the story behind the recipe. Remember the love and care that went into making it, and the memories that it holds. And most importantly, remember to share it with those you hold dear, for food is meant to be enjoyed and savored with the ones we love.