Steamed Bread: Apricot-Date Nut Bread with Caramel Sauce

Steamed breads are so versatile. We love the1/3 cup dry milk
outdoors and are always looking for interesting and1/2 teaspoon vanillaIn a medium bowl, combine the dry
different foods that we can cook while camping andingredients. (If you are taking this camping, combine
steamed breads can be cooked as you lounge aroundthese ingredients in a plastic bag before leaving.)Stir in
the campfire. They make wonderful treats at home.the juice until just combined. (An individual serving-sized
And they make great emergency fare since you don'tcan of apricot nectar is just about the right size.) Stir in
need an oven or even a range to cook thesethe dates and nuts. (If you prefer, you can substitute
breads.We put the following recipe together for a tripraisins, dried apricots, or cranberries for the dates. Of
into the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming with acourse, you can use your favorite nuts.)Pack the
group of varsity scouts. We started it cooking next todough into a well-greased large can or other cooking
the morning fire and by the time breakfast was overcontainer. Cover the top with heavy foil and tie it
and the dishes were done, the bread was ready. Itsecurely with string.Place the can on a rack in a large
was a little rich for morning food--more like a cakepan or kettle. (At camp, a few clean pebbles work as
than a bread--but these backpackers didn't seem towell as a rack.) Fill the pan with water and set it to
mind and it certainly turned out good enough to be asimmer. Let the pan simmer for two hours, adding
treat at home.Apricot-Date Nut Bread with Caramelwater as necessary. When done, invert the bread
Sauce11/2 cups all-purpose flouronto a plate and slice to serve.For the caramel sauce,
1/2 cup sugarmelt the butter in a saucepan. Add the sugar and
1 teaspoon baking sodacornstarch and stir. Then stir the water and dry milk
1/4 teaspoon salttogether and add to the pan. Cook and stir until thick
3/4 cup apricot nectarand bubbly, about five minutes at low heat. Add the
2 cups chopped datesvanilla. Serve hot or cold over the nut bread. (For
1/2 cup chopped Brazil nutsCaramel Sauce3camping, put the dry ingredients in a plastic bag adding
tablespoons butterthe vanilla to the brown sugar. Melt the butter, add the
1/2 cup packed brown sugardry ingredients and then the water.)For more articles
1 tablespoon cornstarchlike this visit The Bakers' Library.
1/2 cup water