Recipe(tried): Eat n Park Boston Brown Bread

BOSTON BROWN BREAD (FROM EAT N PARK)

2 3/4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 egg, beaten
3 tbsp. molasses
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tbsp. shortening or softened butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Generously grease 2 (1 pound) coffee cans or 3 (1 lb.) vegetable or fruit cans;* set aside. (The cans should only have one end removed.)

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Add raisins and walnuts, if desired. Toss to evenly coat the raisins and nuts with the flour mixture; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; mix well.

Stir the wet mixture into the flour mixture only until dry ingredients are moistened.

Turn into prepared cans, filling evenly. Cover cans tightly with 2 layers of foil; secure with string.

Cook with one of the two following methods:

#1: STEAMED ON STOVE: Place a rack in a large kettle or pot. Place the cans on rack. Place kettle/pot over low heat. Add boiling water until halfway up cans. Cover; bring water to a gentle boil. Steam bread 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Add more boiling water during steaming, if necessary.

#2: STEAMED IN OVEN: Place a rack in a large kettle or pot. Place cans on the rack. Add boiling water to the kettle/pot and cover with a lid. Place the kettle in a 325 degree F oven and steam for 2 hours and 45 minutes, replacing boiling water as needed.

Carefully remove bread from cans. Cool on racks at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Makes 2 or 3 small loaves

VARIATIONS:

APRICOT BOSTON-BROWN BREAD:
Substitute 1 cup finely chopped apricots or 1/2 cup chopped apricots plus 1/2 cup raisins for 1 cup raisins.

BAKED BROWN BREAD:
Generously grease a 2 quart casserole dish or 9x5-inch loaf pan. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Turn batter into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

*Cans used for baking should be BPA free, no inside coating and have a removable label (no print on the can).