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War Time Boston Brown Bread

A historical recipe from Everyday Foods in War Time, by Mary Swartz Rose (1918).

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A historical recipe

Everyday Foods in War Time, by Mary Swartz Rose (1918). Project Gutenberg eBook #14066.

From an old book: a historical recipe, not current advice. Its methods, additives and storage may be unsafe by today's standards.

United States

Known as an American recipe, with similar versions prepared across other nations.

Ingredients 17 ingredients

  1. 1 cup Corn meal
  2. 1 cup Finely ground oatmeal
  3. 1 cup Milk
  4. 1-1/2 cups Soda
  5. 3/4 teaspoon Salt
  6. 1 teaspoon Molasses
  7. 1 cup Baking powder
  8. 2 teaspoons Mix
  9. One cup chopped peanuts
  10. 1 cup of
  11. 1/2 cup Sugar
  12. 6 tablespoons Fat
  13. 1-1/2 teaspoons Compressed yeast
  14. 1/4 cup liquid Boiled rice
  15. 7 cups Flour
  16. one-quarter cupful warm water
  17. 1 cup Melted butter

Possible health benefits

General information, not medical advice.

  1. Molasses High in vitamin B6 · High in potassium · High in magnesium · +5

    High in vitamin B6 · 0.7 mg per 100 g, 48% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal cysteine synthesis.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    7 more authorised claims
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.

    Vitamin B6 is a vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. The body needs vitamin B6 for more than 100 enzyme reactions involved in metabolism. NIH fact sheet

    High in potassium · 1464 mg per 100 g, 73% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Potassium contributes to normal muscle function.
    • Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

    Potassium is a mineral found in many foods. Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. NIH fact sheet

    High in magnesium · 242 mg per 100 g, 65% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    7 more authorised claims
    • Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
    • Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division.

    Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA. NIH fact sheet

    High in iron · 4.7 mg per 100 g, 34% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Iron contributes to normal cognitive function.
    • Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
    4 more authorised claims
    • Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.
    • Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Iron has a role in the process of cell division.

    Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. NIH fact sheet

    High in copper · 0.5 mg per 100 g, 49% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues.
    • Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
    • Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. NIH fact sheet

    High in manganese · 1.5 mg per 100 g, 77% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Manganese is a mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses manganese to make energy and protect your cells from damage. NIH fact sheet

    High in selenium · 18 µg per 100 g, 32% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
    • Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to produce hormones and function properly. NIH fact sheet

    Source of calcium · 205 mg per 100 g, 26% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting.
    • Calcium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Calcium contributes to normal muscle function.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission.
    • Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.
    • Calcium has a role in the process of cell division and specialisation.
    • Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Molasses”, USDA FoodData Central.

  2. Peanut High in potassium · High in phosphorus · High in magnesium · +4

    High in potassium · 636 mg per 100 g, 32% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Potassium contributes to normal muscle function.
    • Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

    Potassium is a mineral found in many foods. Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. NIH fact sheet

    High in phosphorus · 380 mg per 100 g, 54% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet

    High in magnesium · 180 mg per 100 g, 48% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
    • Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    7 more authorised claims
    • Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.
    • Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.
    • Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
    • Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division.

    Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA. NIH fact sheet

    High in copper · 0.5 mg per 100 g, 46% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues.
    • Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
    • Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. NIH fact sheet

    High in manganese · 1.7 mg per 100 g, 84% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Manganese is a mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses manganese to make energy and protect your cells from damage. NIH fact sheet

    High in selenium · 18 µg per 100 g, 32% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
    • Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to produce hormones and function properly. NIH fact sheet

    Source of zinc · 2.8 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis.
    • Zinc contributes to normal acid-base metabolism.
    • Zinc contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism.
    15 more authorised claims
    • Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function.
    • Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.
    • Zinc contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism.
    • Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of fatty acids.
    • Zinc contributes to normal metabolism of vitamin A.
    • Zinc contributes to normal protein synthesis.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.
    • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
    • Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
    • Zinc has a role in the process of cell division.

    Zinc is a nutrient that people need to stay healthy. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Peanuts, raw”, USDA FoodData Central.

  3. Flour Source of phosphorus · Source of copper · Source of manganese · +1

    Source of phosphorus · 106 mg per 100 g, 15% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.

    Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet

    Source of copper · 0.2 mg per 100 g, 17% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues.
    • Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
    5 more authorised claims
    • Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
    • Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.
    • Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. NIH fact sheet

    Source of manganese · 0.6 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
    • Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
    • Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.
    1 more authorised claims
    • Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Manganese is a mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses manganese to make energy and protect your cells from damage. NIH fact sheet

    Source of selenium · 10 µg per 100 g, 19% of the reference intake per 100 g

    • Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
    • Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
    3 more authorised claims
    • Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
    • Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
    • Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

    Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to produce hormones and function properly. NIH fact sheet

    Nutrients per 100 g of “Flour, 00”, USDA FoodData Central.

Claims: EU Register of health claims (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, © European Union, CC BY 4.0), shown only where the ingredient meets the claim's conditions (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006). Nutrients: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). Facts: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (public domain).

Cook safely

Keep children and pets away from the hob and the oven, and keep oven gloves and a lid within reach.

  • Oven and hot trays. Use dry oven gloves for trays and dishes: a hot tray looks just like a cold one. Open the oven door away from your face and let the first rush of heat out.
  • Boiling water and steam. Turn pan handles inward, away from the edge of the hob. Lift lids away from you, and pour hot water away from your body: steam burns too.
  • Sharp knives. Cut on a board that doesn't slip (a damp cloth under it helps), and curl the fingers of the hand that holds the food.

Method

  1. Rye meal, 1 cup Corn meal, 1 cup Finely ground oatmeal, 1 cup Milk, 1-1/2 cups Soda, 3/4 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Molasses, 1 cup Baking powder, 2 teaspoons Mix and sift dry ingredients, add molasses and milk, stir until well mixed, turn into a well-greased mold, and steam three and one-half hours.
  2. The cover should be greased before being placed on mold.
  3. The mold should never be filled more than two-thirds full.
  4. A one-pound baking powder box makes the most attractive shaped loaf for steaming;
  5. place mold on a trivet in kettle containing boiling water, allowing water to come half-way up around mold;
  6. cover closely and steam, adding as needed more boiling water.
  7. One cup chopped peanuts and 1 cup of cut dates may be added.
  8. Rice Bread (10) Milk, 1/2 cup Sugar, 6 tablespoons Fat, 4 tablespoons Salt, 1-1/2 teaspoons Compressed yeast, 1/2 cake, softened in 1/4 cup liquid Boiled rice, 7 cups Flour, 8 cups This proportion makes two loaves of bread.
  9. Scald the milk with sugar, salt, and fat.
  10. Let cool until lukewarm and pour over the boiled rice.
  11. Add yeast which has been softened in one-quarter cupful warm water.
  12. Stir in flour and knead.
  13. Let rise until double its bulk.
  14. Knead again and put into pans.
  15. Let rise until light and bake 50 minutes to one hour in a moderate oven.
  16. The rice should be boiled in a large quantity of boiling water, in order to insure a dry rice.
  17. At least eight or ten times as much water as rice should be used.
  18. Eggless Rye Muffins (8) Rye flour, 2 cups Baking powder, 4 teaspoons Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Sugar, 4 teaspoons Milk, 1 cup Melted butter or other fat, 1 tablespoon Mix and sift the dry ingredients;
  19. add the milk and melted fat.
  20. Mix quickly, do not beat.
  21. Bake in greased muffin pans 20 minutes in a hot oven.

Plating

Cookware for this recipe

  • Saucepan
  • Cake tin
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sieve
  • Kettle
Source Public domain in the USA
Credit

From Everyday Foods in War Time, by Mary Swartz Rose (1918). Digitised by Project Gutenberg, eBook #14066 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14066). Public domain in the USA; its status may differ elsewhere.

What was changed: As printed, from the book's text; Project Gutenberg's header and licence removed. Ingredient lines were read out of the text by a program. A historical recipe, not current advice.