Summer Squash n' Sprouted Corn Bread

Summer Squash n' Sprouted Corn Bread
Originally uploaded by Marni Molina

Today is Bread Baking Day and the challenge for this month was to bake bread with sprouts. I was absolutely delighted when I saw this challenge as I've been wanting to try sprouting. I decided to think as far outside the box as I could with regard to sprouts and tried my hand at sprouting corn. You can read all about how I did that here.

I then took my lovely sprouts and crafted a corn bread recipe that seemed to fit with the season of summer.

Summer Squash n' Sprouted Corn Bread

• 1 cup squash puree (see below)
  
• 3/4 cup corn meal
  
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
  
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/4 cup fresh corn
  
• 1/4 cup sprouted corn
  
• 1/4 cup corn or veggie oil
  
• Vegan margarine (like Earth Balance) to dot the top

Squash Puree

My method for making squash puree is as follows:

• 1 summer squash
  
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  
• 1 tablespoon vegan margarine (like Earth Balance)

1. Cook the squash using your preferred method.
   
2. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into the bowl of your food processor. Add the other ingredients and puree. Adjust seasonings as needed.

This should make more than 1 cup so you'll have extra to play with.

Now you're ready to make your bread.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
   
2. Pour into a well-greased 8-inch cast iron skillet and dot the top with a bit of vegan margarine.  Bake for 40 minutes.
   
3. Allow to cool a bit before slicing.

Summer Squash n' Sprouted Corn Bread
Originally uploaded by Marni Molina

I really love this recipe. The squash keeps the bread moist and the sprouts give it a really interesting texture and tooth. They're like little chewy nuts throughout. They aren't for everyone, but I throughly enjoyed them.

I had the leftovers for breakfast, heated with some Earth Balance and agave nectar. A great start to any day.

Suggested musical accompaniment: Pen Cap Chew by Nirvana