Steamed Nut Bread is a unique and delightful baked good that stands out for its moist texture, nutty flavor, and versatile serving options. The process of steaming gives this bread a distinct character, setting it apart from traditional oven-baked bread. With its combination of graham and white flours and the richness of chopped English walnut meats, Steamed Nut Bread offers a nostalgic taste of comfort and craftsmanship.
Steamed breads have a long history dating back to ancient times when baking methods were limited to open fires or hot stones. Steaming bread allowed cooks to create nourishing and flavorful bread without the need for an oven. This technique remained relevant even after ovens became commonplace, as it retained moisture and produced a unique texture.
Steamed Nut Bread captures the essence of old-fashioned baking while incorporating modern ingredients. Chopped nuts, in this case, English walnut meats, add flavor and texture to the bread. This bread likely found popularity due to its simplicity, rich taste, and the versatility of being served both as a bread and as a dessert.
INGREDIENST
- 1/2 pint graham flour
- 1/3 cupful Crisco (shortening)
- 1/2 cupful white flour
- 1 cupful milk
- 1 cupful chopped English walnut meats
- 1/2 teaspoonful salt
- 2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
- 1 cupful sugar
- 1 egg
INSTRUCTIONS
- Creaming the Ingredients:
- Cream 1/3 cupful of Crisco and 1 cupful of sugar together until well combined.
- Adding Beaten Egg and Milk:
- Gradually add 1 well-beaten egg to the creamed mixture, followed by 1 cupful of milk.
- Incorporating Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 pint of graham flour, 1/2 cupful of white flour, 1/2 teaspoonful of salt, and 2 teaspoonfuls of baking powder.
- Creating Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Adding Nuts:
- Fold in 1 cupful of chopped English walnut meats to the batter. This adds a delightful nutty flavor and texture.
- Prepping the Mold:
- Grease a mold with Crisco to prevent sticking.
- Filling the Mold:
- Turn the batter into the greased mold, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Covering and Steaming:
- Cover the mold with greased paper to prevent moisture from entering.
- Steam the bread for approximately two hours. Steaming allows the bread to cook evenly and develop its characteristic moist texture.
- Finishing Touch:
- Once steamed, the Steamed Nut Bread should be moist and fragrant.
- Serving Options:
- Serve the Steamed Nut Bread hot with butter for a delightful treat.
- Alternatively, it can be served as a pudding, accompanied by cream or a liquid sauce, adding a dessert element to the meal.
- Yield:
- The recipe yields one loaf of Steamed Nut Bread, making it a satisfying option for sharing or enjoying over multiple servings.
In conclusion, Steamed Nut Bread encapsulates the charm of old-fashioned baking techniques and offers a taste of history with a modern twist. This bread’s unique texture and nutty flavor bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the table. Whether enjoyed as a comforting bread or as a delightful dessert, Steamed Nut Bread continues to capture the essence of tradition and culinary innovation.
