Icelandic Brown Bread

Place in large bowl and sift together with a slotted spoon:

2 cups white flour
3 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
1 2/3 cups wheat bran
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt

In a plastic pitcher stir together until blended

2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup dark molasses
   note: rub a little oil in 1/2 cup measuring cup to coat before pouring molasses in
   and all will slide out without sticking
1 Quart buttermilk
2 tsp cooking oil

Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until blended.

Divide batter between three large juice cans which have been oiled. Cover each can with foil and place in 350 degree oven upright on bottom rack. If you'd rather conventional bread pans will work too.

Bake 1 hour. Remove foil ten minutes before done to brown top.

Cool upright for ten minutes. Turn over can using hot pads and shake gently to dislodge.

Cool further on rack. May be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen. Otherwise store in refrigerator.

Sliced Brown Bread spread with cream cheese and topped with pickled salmon is a marriage of flavors not to be missed. Makes a festive party platter. We serve it on New Years without fail.