Anadama bread is a popular type of bread that originated in New England. Its name is derived from the phrase "Anna, damn her," which supposedly refers to the creator's wife who never made enough bread. The IPA phonetic transcription for Anadama is /ˌænəˈdæmə/ and is pronounced as ann-uh-dam-uh. This hearty bread is made with a mixture of cornmeal, wheat flour, yeast, and molasses, giving it a unique texture and rich flavor. It is often served toasted with butter or used as a base for sandwiches.
Anadama Bread is a traditional New England-style bread made with a combination of wheat flour, cornmeal, molasses, and yeast. The name "Anadama" is believed to have originated from a story in which a fisherman, after growing tired of eating the same thing every day, combined cornmeal, molasses, and flour to create a bread that his wife, Anna, allegedly exclaimed "Anna, damn her!" while making it. Over time, the name evolved into "Anadama."
The bread has a distinctively rich and slightly sweet flavor, with a soft yet slightly dense texture. The use of cornmeal gives it a unique yellow color and a slightly gritty feel. Molasses adds a deep, caramel-like taste that complements the sweetness of the bread.
Anadama Bread is often baked in a loaf or round shape and is commonly enjoyed as a morning toast or sandwich bread. It is also a popular choice for making French toast or bread pudding due to its slightly sweet flavor. The bread pairs well with a wide variety of spreads, such as butter, jam, or even savory toppings like cheese or deli meats.
In addition to its flavorful profile, Anadama Bread is cherished for its cultural significance and traditional roots in the New England region of the United States. It continues to be a beloved staple in many households and is often passed down through generations as a cherished family recipe.
The word "Anadama" in "Anadama Bread" has an interesting etymology. It is believed to originate from a story set in Rockport, Massachusetts, in the United States.
According to the legend, a fisherman's wife named Anna was so frustrated with her husband's daily request for cornmeal and molasses pudding (called "Hasty Pudding") that she created a bread to accompany it. The bread was made with white flour, cornmeal, molasses, salt, and water or milk.
Since the husband's name was Adam, the bread was jokingly referred to as "Anna's damn bread" or "Adam-Anna's bread", eventually evolving to "Anadama Bread". Though this etymology is a folk tale, it offers a charming explanation for the name.