“It is no coincidence that that the method used to bake this bread, steaming, is similar to one used by the native Indians of New England, who taught us how to use corn as a grain for bread. The most famous of our region’s bread, this wholesome blend of wheat, rye and corn flours is suitable for our diets today as it was 300 years ago.” Jasper White’s Cooking From New England
1 tablespoon unsalted butter for greasing
1 1/2 cups brown-bread flour*
1/3 cup molasses
1 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
½ cup dried currents or raisins
Preheat oven to 325°
*Equal parts of Gray’s Grist Mill Jonny Cake corn meal, rye meal and whole wheat flour
1.Generously grease a 1-quart pudding mold or 1 pound coffee can. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir in the molasses and milk. Fold in the currants.
2. Fill the mold or coffee can with batter. It should come up about tow-thirds of the way. Cover the top with foil and tie securely with a string to make it airtight.
3. Place in a deep baking pan and fill the pan with boiling water, to come halfway up the side of the mold.
4. Place in the preheated oven and allow to steam for 2 hours checking the water level after 1 hour. Add more boiling water if needed. Check by sticking a skewer into the bread. It will come out clean when done. Remove string and foil and allow to cool for 1 hour before unmolding.
