Baking > Bread > Sweet Breads

Sassafras-Molasses Bread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup sassafras tea
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, molasses, sassafras tea, eggs, and milk.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

5. Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.

6. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
1 loaf (12 slices)

Nutritional information:
Calories: 220
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 420mg
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour.
- Cornmeal can be substituted with polenta or corn flour.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with white sugar or honey.
- Sassafras tea can be substituted with black tea or chai tea.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Replace the sassafras tea with apple cider or orange juice for a different flavor profile.
- Use honey instead of molasses for a sweeter bread.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to measure the flour accurately to avoid a dry or dense bread.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent a tough bread.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Storage Instructions:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the bread sliced with butter or jam.
- Toast the bread and serve with cream cheese and sliced fruit.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the bread for added sweetness.
- Top the bread with whipped cream or whipped butter.

Pairings:
- Serve the bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair the bread with a fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the bread with a side of scrambled eggs or bacon for a hearty breakfast.
- Pair the bread with a side of soup or salad for a light lunch.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the bread is too dry, try adding more liquid to the batter.
- If the bread is too dense, try reducing the amount of flour used.
- If the bread is too sweet, try reducing the amount of sugar used.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and check for expiration dates.
- Wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling food.
- Store the bread properly to prevent spoilage.

Food History:
- Sassafras tea has been used for centuries by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.
- Molasses was a popular sweetener in the 19th century due to its low cost.

Flavor Profiles:
- The sassafras tea adds a unique earthy flavor to the bread, while the molasses adds a sweet and slightly bitter taste.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bread warm or at room temperature.
- Slice the bread into thick slices for a hearty breakfast or snack.

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Taste: Sweet, Savory, Earthy, Nutty, Spicy