Recipe: Anadama Batter Bread

Anadama Batter Bread
Alt.bread.recipes/Jill McQuown (1999)

1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/4 cup very warm water
1 cup cornmeal
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/3 cup dark molasses
3 Tbsp. vegetable shortening
3/4 cup boiling water
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
melted butter

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Combine cornmeal, salt, baking soda, molasses and shortening in a large mixing bowl. Stir in boiling water and cool to lukewarm. Add yeast mixture, egg and 1 cup flour to this mixture. Beat with electric mixer 2 minutes on medium speed (or by hand 300 strokes with a wooden spoon). Stir in remaining flour. Spread batter in well greased 2 quart casserole. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled (1 to 1 1/2 hours). Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes. Remove from casserole immediately and brush with melted butter.