anadama bread.

YOU GUYS. Something happened to me the other day I just have to tell you about. Something big. Something completely out of the ordinary. Something I’d started to forget even existed as a thing that happens.

I was bored.

Seriously, it was awesome. For the first time in like a year, wherein we’ve quit/changed/started jobs, graduated, moved twice, almost bought a house, got haircuts, etc. etc. this was a pretty big deal. I got to actually choose what I wanted to do with my day. I could watch crappy TV. I could do my entire yoga video. I could call the bestie and talk to her for a full hour and a half and not feel like I had to hang up because something else needed to be done. I could play in the snow. I could read a book. I could take a NAP. I could go for a run!

OK so that last part never crossed my mind, BUT STILL. It was magical.

dark + light.

dough stirring.

Of course, I spent most of this gifted free time baking in the kitchen — duh (I’m a creature of habit, what can I say?). And out of a few hours of having nothing to do came this beautiful and delicious anadama bread. And it was good. Amen.

proofing.

bread, baked.

There are a gajillion stories out there about how anadama bread came to be, so I won’t get into that. What I will talk about, though, is how you need to find some time to be bored so you can make this bread immediately. It’s unlike any other bread I’ve tasted. It’s a little sweet, but with a deep, dark molasses-y backnote. It’s super soft and perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soup, but it’s also made for the best breakfasts ever this week as toast with a little butter and jam on it. Oh, oh, oh! And it freezes exceptionally well, so you can make both loaves and keep one for yourself and give another away as a gift. So that’s pretty exciting.

to mom. love, me.

And yes, this bread does take a little bit longer to rise than normal — which means you should try to be bored for a whole afternoon. I know I hope to be again very soon.

Anadama Bread
Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes

Yields: 2 sandwich loaves

Ingredients:

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 cups water
1/2 cup molasses
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F)
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups bread flour

Directions:

Pour cornmeal into a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer. Bring 2 cups water to a boil, then pour over cornmeal, stirring vigorously until no lumps remain. Let sit 30 minutes.

Add molasses, butter and salt to cornmeal mixture; stir until butter is (mostly) melted. In a separate small bowl, whisk together warm water and yeast; let sit 5-10 minutes or until foamy.

Pour yeast mixture into bowl; stir to combine. Add flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Stir until a shaggy dough forms (it will be stickier than normal). Divide dough evenly between 2 lightly greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pans, spreading dough to corners as best as you can. Cover pans with lightly greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2-4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. When dough is doubled, remove plastic wrap and bake loaves until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45-55 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes in pans; then, remove loaves from pans and cool completely on a cooling rack before slicing.

Pin it here.

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Stephanie Wise

Stephanie Wise is the founder and creator of Girl Versus Dough. She started sharing her bread baking adventures and recipes in 2009. Her love of bread only deepened as her skills and knowledge expanded. What began as a place to try others recipes quickly became a collection of her own creations!

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5 Comments

  1. Erika says:

    Hi Stephanie!

    1. It’s been way too long since I’ve visited your site. But I am so excited to catch up on all these delectable looking recipes!
    2. Today, I FINALLY figured out how to pin your recipes. Best day ever.
    3. I want to make this bread and it sounds super delicious. Thanks for the recipe!!

    1. Stephanie says:

      Erika — 1. So good to see you! Thanks for coming over. 🙂 2. I’m so glad to hear that! I’m really desperately trying to fix the bug ASAP so it’s not so ridiculously complicated. I’m happy you’ve prevailed. 3. You’re welcome — hope you like it!

  2. Kathy says:

    I love reading your stuff!!!

    1. Stephanie says:

      Kathy — Aw, thank you! Hope you’re doing well 🙂