My mother was an exceptional cook, and my family always eagerly anticipated her culinary creations. She pursued her education during a time when women commonly enrolled in home economics classes, where the emphasis on practical skills was evident. Budgeting and menu planning were crucial components of mastering the art of preparing meals for a household.
Although the era of the Great Depression had passed, the recipes from that challenging period continued to be cherished, such as the timeless peanut butter bread. Unbeknownst to us, my mother’s resourcefulness was at play when she ventured into the pantry to whip up this delightful treat. Our excitement knew no bounds when the warm peanut butter bread emerged from the oven.
This bread, with its moist texture and subtly sweet, nutty flavor, has always held a special place in my heart. I enjoy topping it with jam, extra peanut butter, or a combination of both, and toasting it adds another dimension to its appeal.
A Remnant of the Depression Era
Upon examining recipes from the same era, such as chocolate Depression cake or war cake, one might be puzzled by the absence of ingredients like butter, eggs, or vanilla. The cooks of the Depression Era were astute and adept at making do with what they had to ensure flavorful and satisfying meals.
This peanut butter bread recipe stands as a testament to their ingenuity. It can be prepared successfully without traditionally premium ingredients. In fact, when adapting recipes for a vegan diet, I revisited these Depression Era recipes and seamlessly substituted non-dairy milk, resulting in equally delicious outcomes.
Staying true to Tradition
Being a self-professed peanut butter enthusiast like my mother, I always keep a stash of jars in my pantry. In alignment with the spirit of authenticity, I opt for natural peanut butter, reminiscent of the options available during the 1930s. Whether smooth or crunchy, or even experimenting with alternative nut butters like almond or sunflower for those with allergies, the versatility of this recipe allows for personalization.
Crafting Depression-Era Peanut Butter Bread
For a single loaf yielding approximately 8 servings, gather the following ingredients:
– Oil or shortening for greasing the pan
– 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
– 1 1/2 cups milk
To commence, preheat the oven to 325°F and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a sizable bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring a thorough blend. In a separate medium bowl, mix the peanut butter with approximately half a cup of milk until smooth, gradually incorporating the remainder. Merge the peanut butter mixture into the flour mixture until thoroughly combined, resulting in a thick batter. Spread the batter evenly into the greased loaf pan.
Bake until the loaf’s top achieves a golden hue
