Hobo Bread

"it is my understanding that this was a simple bread made over a hobo campfire in an empty tin can. Since beans were a staple of most hobos in the 1920's and 30's, it made sense to use everything you had available. Tin cans were often used as cooking vessels to heat meals, water for coffee and breads like this .. which is made like most fruit breads. Back then it was made with whatever ingredients you had at the time .. not always the ingredients on the recipe I gave." Dave Burgess

• 1 1/2 cups water, hot
• 3 3/4 cups raisins
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups flour
• 2 eggs, large

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Lightly grease 3-4 small loaf pans.

In a large bowl, pour hot water over raisins. Stir in baking soda and mix well. Add margarine. Mix while still hot. Now add the remaining ingredients.

Fill loaf pans half full. Bake 50 to 60 minutes in a preheated 350° F oven.

Cool on racks. Freezes well.

Yield: 3 - 4 small loaves

Contributor: Dave Burgess

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