Boston Brown Bread

1. Stage

Prepare for steaming method: You can either make the bread on the stovetop with a coffee can, or you can make it in the oven with a coffee can or loaf pan. Stovetop: If you are using the stovetop method, set the steamer rack inside a tall stockpot and fill the pot with enough water to come 1/3 of the way up the sides of your coffee can. Turn the burner on to medium as you work. Oven: If you are using the oven method, preheat the oven to 325°F and bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Stage

Grease the pan: Grease a coffee can or small loaf pan with butter.

3. Stage

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rye flour, corn meal, baking powder and soda, salt and allspice. Add the raisins if using.

4. Stage

Mix the wet ingredients and combine with dry: In another bowl, mix together the buttermilk and vanilla extract if using. Whisk in the molasses. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir well with a spoon.

5. Stage

Pour the batter into can or pan, cover with foil Pour the batter into the coffee can or loaf pan taking care that the batter not reach higher than 2/3 up the sides of the container. Cover the loaf pan or coffee can tightly with foil.

6. Stage

Prepare the steam environment: Stovetop: If you are using the stovetop method, set the can in the pot on the steamer rack. Make sure there is enough water in the pot to come up 1/3 of the way up the sides of your coffee can or loaf pan. Cover the pot and turn the heat as low as it can be while still maintaining a simmer to generate steam. Oven: If you are using the oven method, find a high-sided roasting pan that can hold the coffee can or loaf pan. Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches one third up the side of the coffee can or loaf pan. Put the roasting pan into the 325°F oven.

7. Stage

Steam the bread: Steam the bread on the stovetop or in the oven for at least 2 hours and 15 minutes. Check your pot a few times to make sure the water level is good and the pot is not boiling dry, If so, add a little more hot water. Check to see if the bread is done by inserting a toothpick into it. If the toothpick comes out clean, you're ready. If not, re-cover the pan and cook for up to another 45 minutes.

8. Stage

Allow the bread to cool: Remove from the stovetop or oven and let cool for 10 minutes before putting on a rack. Let the bread cool for 1 hour before turning out of the container. Slice and eat plain, or toast in a little butter in a frying pan.