Thursday, July 16, 2009

Vacation and Orange-Cranberry Walnut Loaf

Well it is that time of Summer. We are going off on vacation. We rent a beach house every year down the Jersey Shore. The girls are at a perfect age to enjoy the beach, the boardwalk and all the goodtimes we hope to have. I will be back in a wekk or so, so I am leaving you with one of my favorite breads, Orange- Cranberry Walnut Bread. Is it a bread or a poundcake, I don't know, I don't care, all I know is that is is really good and the smell it makes in your home while baking, well you will just have to see for yourself. How could anything that starts with these ingredients be bad? This recipe comes from Good Things Catered. Her blog is really good, full of tons of great recipes. Check her out if you haven't already. There are so many things on there that I want to make and if they are all as good as this bread, I am hooked. The recipe is for 2 loaves, so cut it in half if you only want one. Or do what I did. You'll see. Be patient.



Orange- Cranberry Walnut Loaf

3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
zest of 2 large oranges
zest of 1 large lemon
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
12 tbsp unsalted butter,softened
1 1/3 cup sugar
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla

1 1/3 cup chopped walnts

2/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 and prepare loaf pans, spray with baking spray

In a large bowl,combine flour,baking powder and salt and whisk to combine; set aside

In medium bowl, combine milk,orange juice,zests,a nd whisk to combine; set aside

In bowl of stand mixer, combine butter and sugar and beat on high speed until light and fluffy in texture, about 3 minutes

Reduce speed to medium and incorporate eggs, one at a time,beating each until fully combined before adding another

Add vanilla and beat to combine

Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk mixture, starting and ending with flour and mixing until incorporated.

Remove bowl from mixer and fold in walnuts and cranberries. Doesn't it look good so far?

Scrape batter into prepared pans and spread evenly.

Place in oven and bake until golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean, 35- 40 minutes, for mini loaves and 45-50 minutes for full sized loaves. Or if you don't want 2 loaves, do what I did, make 1 loaf and 12 muffins.

If you make muffins, only bake 12-15 minutes, keep an eye on them. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes and remove and cool on rack. Cool completely before serving.




I couldn't cut open the bread to show you because it was a thank you gift for someone I work with. But trust me the smell is amazing and it is so pretty when cut open.




You know what I can show you, here are the muffins. Aren't they pretty?




This recipe comes out very moist and would be great for brunch or as a gift for the holidays, especially Christmas, with those festive red cranberries. So everyone have a great week and I cant't wait to see what you all will have done when I was gone.





Here is the top of my bread. What, I told you I couldn't cut it.....lol.

30 comments:

  1. That looks so good! I like the idea of making it into muffins.

    Have fun on your vacation!

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  2. have fun at the shore, where do you go? Neptune, Asbury Park, Sandy Hook?

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  3. Have fun on your trip and thanks for this recipe to tide us over!

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  4. I'll be making this one this weekend for a brunch! Thank you- perfect timing!

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  5. Awesome that you can make it into muffins and/or bread. I have never had that combo before but it sounds really good. Have a great vacation!!!

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  6. I love that you made them into muffins - they sound heavenly :)

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  7. You and I are like "Dueling Banjos" with our orange, cranberry, and walnut ingredient posts! Enjoy your vacation!

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  8. This looks great. I love the orange and cranberry combination!

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  9. Oh yay!! I'm so glad you like it and thanks for the kind words about my blog. I love your too! have a great time at the beach!

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  10. Have a fun vacation. The bread and muffins look and sound mighty tasty.

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  11. The fresh citrus in this sounds perfect! I cannot wait to try this!

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  12. These look yummy with all those orange flavors! Have a fun vacation!

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  13. We just got back from Ocean City yesterday and it was beautiful! Have a wonderful time, the bread looks so tasty!

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  14. Great choice for a gift bread!!It sounds lovely and looks delicious as always. You really did make it for me... right?

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  15. Have a great vacation! This bread sounds delicious :D

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  16. By the way I changed my site address to https://chowandchatter.blogspot.com
    To match the name ! Love Rebecca

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  17. This sounds wonderful! Thanks for the directions for both the loaf and muffins! I love the variety!

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  18. What a flavorful bread - looks delicious! Hope you have a great vacation!

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  19. Hi Denise.I'm glad to know that you are Half-Filipino.Did you grow up there?

    The Orange-Cranberry Walnut loaf looks amazing...

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  20. I hope you are having a great vacation! I left you an award on my new blog. :-)

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  21. This looks scrumptious - I'll definitely try it!

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  22. ooh, they are pretty! My mother would love this especially with an orange scented glaze!

    Enjoy your time away!

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  23. Do you ever take that sex crazed sister of yours with you, lol, know I am kidding! I am so down with the flavors in these...I love orange anything!

    Hope your shore getaway is a great one!

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  24. These look fantastic! I love the flavors! Enjoy your vacation!!

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  25. Wow my 3 favorite ingredients in one! Cant wait to try it!

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  26. Yummy! I love orange cranberry bread. You're right, it does make the house smell so good!

    Have fun on vacation!

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  27. I am alway's looking for delicious recipes and "I think I found one". These look yummy! Thanx for posting and "Have a great vacation".

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  28. Your muffins are fantastic, I should try them for my children..

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I'd be so happy to hear your thoughts, answer questions, or exchange ideas.