review: Sweet Potato Bread with Flaxseed and Honey (3/01)

[makedah]

Yuck.

I couldn't even eat one slice. I added margarine to the slice to see if that would improve it (which defeats the purpose of eating light!), but that didn't help.

I adore sweet potatoes, so that wasn't it. Must have been the flaxseed. I tried this recipe because I've heard a lot about flaxseed and wanted to use the seeds I bought a couple of weeks ago. I had everything on hand except for the cream cheese, so it's not like I spent extra money on this.

If you try it, note that the batter is gummy and sticky when you are finished. It isn't smooth like banana bread batter. This is apparently normal, as my bread came out the right texture and looked like the one in the photo (except I burned mine just a touch!).

If you like flaxseed, go for it.

[RunnerKim]

I enjoyed the bread but would not make it again. Too subtle/bland for me. I used yellow sweet potatoes, so don't know if that makes a difference. I too was amazed at how thick the batter was - I even added a little water, I was so worried about it. But mine too baked just fine (I figured it would be a hockey puck).

I did not try it toasted and sometimes that can make a big difference in flavor. The batter on the otherhand was very yummy.

Kim

[LGBurns]

How disappointing! I was really looking forward to trying this. Could either of you elaborate a little more on what's not right with it? Is there any way it might be better. I may try it anyway and see what I think but now I'm pretty wary.

[makedah]

Runner -- I am jealous that you can find yellow sweet potatoes. We don't have them here (Madison, Wisconsin).

LGBurns -- The bread tasted kind of bitter. It smelled funny. Like I said, I think it was the flaxseed. I'd never had them before. If you like flaxseed, try it. There's a 1/4 cup of honey and I've never cooked with that much, so perhaps that was it, too. Honey has a kind of 'earthy' flavor that white sugar does not (no white sugar in the recipe) so maybe that was it too.

I'm sorry I can't be more specific, since I didn't even finish one slice.

[RunnerKim]

I would not say there was anything "off" about my bread - I have cooked with flaxseed before so that's not a new flavor for me. I was just disappointed in how subtle the bread is. Quick bread has a lot of calories and fat so its more a treat for me - and it just isn't "worth it". Try playing with the spices. The batter was certainly promising.

Kim

[misstapioca]

i was kinda surprised to see somewhat negative reviews about this bread. I have used flax seed in baking before so i am accustomed to that flavor. i liked how the bread was so "rustic". i also love sweet potatoes any way i can get them. The batter was very thick and that worried me a bit too. i also found the batter very tasty. The bread cooked and was very moist. I think that it is impossible to cut this loaf into 16 slices though because it is so tender.

[SusanMac]

OctoberSteve -- I've never found flaxseed in a regular store, but WholeFoods, or health food stores should carry them.

makedah -- I also live in Madison and am interested in starting a CL Supper Club. Let me know if you'd be interested. I just moved here and am in love with this town! (although the sweet potato warning isn't good, since I love em)

[Octobersteve]

I had a lot of trouble finding flax seed in my two local grocery stores. I decided to try it without. Added some all spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Turned out ok.