Blackstrap molasses

[Uller]

I read in one of my favourite blogs that blackstrap molasses is a healthier alternative to sugar as it still contains vitamins and minerals. Very excited to see a jar in my local food co-op last week and bought it - now I don't really know what to do with it!

Can I just substitute it for sugar in baking recipes - if so, what sort of quantities? I've googled it, but most of the recipes that come up are for things like BBQ sauce or Boston baked beans (which sound really tasty and which I am going to try) - I'm specifically looking to use it in baking if possible.

[eccentric_emma]

sorry I'm not much help but I am actually in a very similar situation to you as well! So far I have tried stirring it into porridge and rice pudding but wasn't too keen personally, it's a very strong flavour. I'll be watching this thread with interest though.

[ina]

As a sweetener it's pretty useless - it does have a very strong flavour. I use it in small quantities instead of treacle.

[Graye]

One of my favourite recipe books is the Moosewood Cookbook which an American friend gave me years ago. It's now falling apart but is used constantly because I just love all the recipes and the whole style of the book. I know there are various versions available via Amazon. Here's one of the recipes (I can confirm it works brilliantly) for Molasses Cookes. There are lots of other recipes which use molasses too. We also use it to pour on full cream yoghurt and, believe it or not, thickly sliced and fried aubergine slices.

3/4 cup margarine, melted
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup white sugar

DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted margarine, 1 cup sugar, and egg until smooth. Stir in the molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger; blend into the molasses mixture. Cover, and chill dough for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Roll dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining white sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until tops are cracked. Cool on wire racks.

[Uller]

Graye

Thanks - that is exactly the sort of recipe I am looking for - although I'll have to eat a lot of cookies to use up the huge jar I made. Nevermind, needs must!

It made me giggle when I read about your 'thinky' sliced aubergines - I don't do a lot of thinky slicing, especially in the middle of the week after a day at work!

Uller

[LBR]

http://homecooking.about.com/library/ar ... misc52.htm

This site is full of molasses recipes.

It's excellent for making old-fashioned gingerbread or ginger cake with rye flour.

[LBR]

And these molasses cookies sound scrumptious.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?a ... 4976720857

[Ellendra]

I've added a tablespoon or two to breads or applesauce, I've known people who like to drink milk with a spoonful of molasses mixed in.

Its among the many forms of sugar that result from the sugar refining process, like treacle only darker.

[MrsD'ville mkII]

I first bought molasses for making granola, but found ti needed so much treacle with it that the health benefits were completely blown away! I've since used it for a dried fruit compote to put on cereal, but once this jar is through I don't see me buying another. I know, I should be doing loads of baking for the freezer!

[Karen_D]

I've used blackstrap molasses to make Shoofly Pie which is very nice either by itself or with custard. Various recipes here

http://www.berksweb.com/pam/shoofly.html

The closest one on that page to the one I do is this one

Shoo Fly Pie

1 c. flour
2/3 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. shortening
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. hot water
1 c. molasses
1 egg, beaten
1 9" unbaked pie shell
Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut shortening into flour mix until crumbly. Reserve 1/2 c. crumbs.

Dissolve baking soda in hot (but not boiling) water. In a small bowl, combine molasses, egg, and baking soda water and beat well. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes.

Wassail!