Steamed Bread: Apricot-Date Nut Bread with Caramel Sauce

Steamed breads are so versatile. We love the outdoors and are always looking for interesting and different foods that we can cook while camping and steamed breads can be cooked as you lounge around the campfire. They make wonderful treats at home. And they make great emergency fare since you don't need an oven or even a range to cook these breads.

We put the following recipe together for a trip into the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming with a group of varsity scouts. We started it cooking next to the morning fire and by the time breakfast was over and the dishes were done, the bread was ready. It was a little rich for morning food--more like a cake than a bread--but these backpackers didn't seem to mind and it certainly turned out good enough to be a treat at home.

Apricot-Date Nut Bread with Caramel Sauce

11/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup apricot nectar
2 cups chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped Brazil nuts

Caramel Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup dry milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. (If you are taking this camping, combine these ingredients in a plastic bag before leaving.)

Stir in the juice until just combined. (An individual serving-sized can of apricot nectar is just about the right size.) Stir in the dates and nuts. (If you prefer, you can substitute raisins, dried apricots, or cranberries for the dates. Of course, you can use your favorite nuts.)

Pack the dough into a well-greased large can or other cooking container. Cover the top with heavy foil and tie it securely with string.

Place the can on a rack in a large pan or kettle. (At camp, a few clean pebbles work as well as a rack.) Fill the pan with water and set it to simmer. Let the pan simmer for two hours, adding water as necessary. When done, invert the bread onto a plate and slice to serve.

For the caramel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the sugar and cornstarch and stir. Then stir the water and dry milk together and add to the pan. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly, about five minutes at low heat. Add the vanilla. Serve hot or cold over the nut bread. (For camping, put the dry ingredients in a plastic bag adding the vanilla to the brown sugar. Melt the butter, add the dry ingredients and then the water.)

For more articles like this visit The Bakers' Library.

© 2004 The Prepared Pantry

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Easy-Cheesy Casserole

I have always loved mac-n-cheese, and this variation is one... Read More

Thai BBQ or Barbeque Chicken Recipes

What makes Thai BBQ chicken recipes so delicious? It is... Read More

Bourbon BBQ Sauce

If you are seeking a very unique flavored bbq sauce... Read More

Famous Secret Recipes Exposed!: Rosemary Chicken with Orange-Maple Glaze

Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Ready In:... Read More

6 Steps to Beating Childhood Obesity

These days kids would rather spend time on the computer... Read More

Cinco de Mayo Recipe

My ex reminded me last week that the holiday that... Read More

Do I Really Need to Follow a Recipe?

These days, its seems like everyone is looking for different... Read More

Swordfish, a Nutritious and Healthy Addition to Any Diet

Swordfish belongs to the group of fish that have recently... Read More

Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Soup

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five elements... Read More

A Pease Journey

Remnants of dried peas were found in Egyptian tombs. Hot... Read More

Light Veal Recipes to Barbeque or to Broil

With everyone watching their weight and seeking out recipes that... Read More

Chocolate Tasting Techniques

First of all start with an empty stomach. This has... Read More

Home Made Ice Cream Recipe for Coffee Can Ice Cream

The very best thing about having birthday cake is the... Read More

All-Wheat Superb Rolls

Note: The stone ground whole-wheat flour adds only 1.3 Teasps... Read More

Weight Loss Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Enjoy the sensation of fried chicken without the extra calories... Read More

Chocolate Velvet Cheesecake

Cheesecake is one of the most popular desserts around today.... Read More

How to Make Beer

Making beer is easy, inexpensive, and most of all, fun.... Read More

Low Carb Barbeque Sauce

Is there such a thing as low carb bbq sauce... Read More

Main Dish Zucchini Recipes

With summer coming to an end, you probably have an... Read More

Italian Recipes ? Top 3 Dinner Recipes That You Should Prepare Tonight!

If you are wondering what to prepare for dinner tonight,... Read More

Fancy Up Your Muffins

We introduced muffins to you last week and many of... Read More

Rowan Jelly (Mountain Ash - Pyrus aucuparia)

Sharp and sour but sweet and succulent all at the... Read More

Ediths Cake That Thrilled the French

Twenty-three chefs who cooked for world royalty and heads of... Read More

So, You Have A Crockpot - Now Youll Want Crockpot Recipes

To those of us that don't know, crockpot recipes are... Read More

Straight Talk from a Comfort Foodie: Strudel Makes the Woman

Strudel Makes the WomanGrandpa Max loved butter cookies. He liked... Read More

Whats So Great About Slow Cooking Anyway?

As I walked through the grocery store aisles a few... Read More

Easy Holiday Quick Bread Recipes

Quick breads are a quick, easy accompaniment to any holiday... Read More

Steamed Bread: Apricot-Date Nut Bread with Caramel Sauce

Steamed breads are so versatile. We love the outdoors and... Read More

Chicken with White Wine & Pasta

Here is a great recipe that is so simple to... Read More

Planning Help: Meal One

It's nice when I find a meal where the foods... Read More

Planning Help: Meal Two

One meal planning challenge for me has been to `lighten... Read More

What Wise Guys Eat

When I lived in the North End of Boston, in... Read More

Fish Recipes

These recipes are wonderful and they are old family recpies.... Read More