Anadama Bread

By shawnanewton

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
• 3/4 c. cornmeal
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 pkg. yeast
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. salad oil
• 1/3 c. molasses
• 1 c. plus 2 Tbsp. very warm water
• 3 About 3 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 c. mashed ripe banana
• 1 c. diced pitted dates
• 1 About 1 tsp. cornmeal

Preparation

Step 1

In large bowl, mix whole wheat flour, the 3/4 c. cornmeal, salt, baking soda, and yeast. Stir in oil, molasses, and the warm water; beat. Add 1/4 c. of the all-purpose flour and and beat. With a heavy duty mixer or wooden spoon, stir in the banana and aobut 2 1/2 c. of the all-purpose flour - enough to make a stiff dough.

Turn dough onto floured board and knead till smooth, adding all-purpose flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Knead dates into dough, a portaion at a time. Turn dough over into a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place till doubled (about 1 1/2 hrs.).

Grease a 9-inch pie pan and sprinkle with the 1 tsp. cornmeal. Punch dough down, knead a few times, then shape into a smooth ball. Place in pie pan; cover and let rise in warm place till almost doubled (about 45 mins.).

Bake in 375 oven till browned (35-40 mins.). Put on rack to cool.