True brown bread is a classic New England staple that pairs excellently with Boston baked beans. It's traditionally made with a mix of rye, whole wheat flour, and cornmeal, sweetened with molasses, and steamed in a can, giving it its distinctive moist texture and slightly sweet flavor. Here's a traditional recipe for you to try:

### Traditional New England Brown Bread Recipe

**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup rye flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional, but commonly included for added sweetness and texture)

**Equipment:**
- Three 1-pound coffee cans, or similar cylindrical molds

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cans:**
   - Grease the inside of each coffee can with butter or a non-stick spray. If using raisins, sprinkle them at the bottom of the cans.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
   - In a large bowl, sift together rye flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking soda, and salt.

3. **Add Wet Ingredients:**
   - In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses and buttermilk.
   - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. **Fill the Cans:**
   - Pour the batter into the prepared coffee cans, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for the bread to expand as it cooks.

5. **Cover and Steam:**
   - Cover the tops of the cans with aluminum foil and secure with rubber bands.
   - Place the cans in a large pot and add water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cans.
   - Bring the water to a simmer, then cover the pot. Steam the bread for about 2 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated. Add more boiling water as needed.

6. **Check for Doneness:**
   - The bread is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. **Cool and Unmold:**
   - Remove the cans from the pot and allow the bread to cool slightly before unmolding. Run a knife around the inside of the can to help release the bread.

8. **Serve:**
   - Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Brown bread is particularly delicious when slathered with butter or served with cream cheese.

This brown bread is an excellent complement to the rich flavors of Boston baked beans, providing a hearty and traditional New England meal. The bread's slight sweetness and dense texture make it a unique and beloved component of the region’s culinary heritage.