Anadama Bread

This is actually a Yankee recipe, but I have made it a few times and I figure it is one we can keep in the file since it does turn out good every time. I do recommend that you cut it in thickish slices and toast it, then put REAL butter and a glob of fruit preserves on it. Back when I could eat such things, I put apricot jam or orance marmalade on it. I bet pear preserves would be good too.
I am not usually one to make bread if there is a bakery one to buy, but in these parts, no one makes this one. Not even Fresh Market. Or La Patisserie- of course, they are really French, so they wouldn't make it anyway.


Anadama Bread

INGREDIENTS :
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cornmeal
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup molasses
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon salt


DIRECTIONS:
Place 1/2 cup water and cornmeal in a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Cook until mixture thickens; about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the butter or margarine and molasses.

Let cool to lukewarm.
In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.

Let sit until creamy; about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cornmeal mixture with the yeast mixture; stir until well blended.

Add 2 cups of the flour and the salt; mix well.

Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition.

When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and put in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and form into a loaf.

Place the loaf in a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. (How will you know if it is hollow unless you dump it, then tap it? )