Boston Brown Bread. Mrs. John Robinson. Recipe

Boston Brown Bread is a traditional New England dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This dense and moist bread is made with sour milk, baking molasses, graham flour, and other simple ingredients, resulting in a rich and flavorful treat. The recipe I will share with you today is inspired by Mrs. John Robinson, a renowned cook known for her culinary expertise.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to explore the history of Boston Brown Bread. This delightful bread first gained popularity in the 19th century and became a staple in households across New England. Its origins can be traced back to the colonial period when settlers began experimenting with local ingredients to create simple yet delicious recipes.

Now, let's get started with the recipe for Mrs. John Robinson's Boston Brown Bread.

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pints sour milk
- 1 cup baking molasses
- 2 teaspoonfuls soda (1 in the milk, 1 in the molasses)
- 1 teaspoonful salt
- 4 cups graham flour
- 1 teaspoonful baking powder

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour milk and baking molasses. Stir well to ensure the molasses is thoroughly incorporated into the milk.
2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve one teaspoonful of soda in the sour milk. In another small bowl, dissolve the remaining teaspoonful of soda in the molasses. This step helps activate the leavening agents in the bread.
3. Beat the sour milk and molasses mixture to make sure it is well mixed before proceeding to the next step.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sour milk and molasses mixture, stirring constantly. Make sure to blend everything together thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps.
6. Grease a large bread tin or several small cans with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the bread from sticking.
7. Fill the prepared tin or cans with the batter, leaving some space at the top for expansion during cooking. The batter should only fill them about two-thirds full.
8. Cover the tin or cans tightly with aluminum foil or lids, ensuring no steam can escape during the cooking process.
9. Place the tin or cans in a large pot or steamer and add enough water to come about halfway up the sides. Bring the water to a boil.
10. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and steam the bread for two and a half hours. Steaming allows the bread to cook evenly and retain its moisture.
11. After two and a half hours, carefully remove the lids or foil from the tin or cans. This allows the bread to develop a golden crust.
12. Transfer the bread to a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps further develop the flavor and texture of the bread.
13. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the tin or cans for a few minutes. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
14. Serve the Boston Brown Bread warm or at room temperature with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread. It is a delightful dessert to enjoy with tea or coffee.

Now that you have mastered the art of making Mrs. John Robinson's Boston Brown Bread, let's explore some fun facts about this beloved treat:

- Boston Brown Bread is typically steamed rather than baked. Steaming allows the bread to cook slowly and retain its moisture, resulting in a dense and moist texture.
- The use of sour milk in Boston Brown Bread was a practical choice in the past when fresh milk was not readily available. Sour milk gives the bread a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the crumb.
- Traditional recipes often call for the use of molasses, a sweet syrup made from boiled sugar cane juice. Molasses adds depth and richness to the bread, as well as a distinct flavor.

Similar recipes to Boston Brown Bread include Anadama Bread, which is made with cornmeal and molasses, and Irish Brown Bread, which typically features a combination of whole wheat flour and white flour.

So gather your ingredients and embark on a journey to create this classic New England dessert. Mrs. John Robinson's Boston Brown Bread is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting treat with rich flavors and a delightful crumb. Enjoy!