Acorn Bread

Native Americans used to collect acorn kernels and process them into acorn flour or acorn meal, which was then used in the preparation of a variety of dishes including acorn bread, based on the same acorn flour that gives it a sweet and nutty flavor. Back in the days, acorn bread was made by combining leached acorn flour with water and then shaping the batter into flattened patties or cakes, which were either baked on hot stones or fried. A variety of additions have been included in the preparation of the bread throughout the years, and nowadays, acorn bread can be made like any regular bread. Other types of flour, usually wheat flour or cornmeal are often combined with the acorn flour to yield a less crumbly and more substantial bread. The bread is often prepared for Thanksgiving, when it is usually sweetened with honey, sugar, or maple syrup and flavored with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for a more festive treat.