Apple Cranberry Tea Ring

Apple Cranberry Tea Ring Recipe - Easy and Delicious

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

The Apple Cranberry Tea Ring is a delightful and festive bread that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples and cranberries with a soft, fluffy bread base. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon teas, or as a special treat to enjoy with your morning coffee. The addition of orange zest in both the bread and the glaze adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the other flavors beautifully. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying your hand at yeast bread for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.

History

The tradition of making sweet, fruit-filled bread rings dates back centuries in various cultures around the world. The Apple Cranberry Tea Ring is a modern take on these traditional recipes, incorporating ingredients like dried cranberries and orange zest that may not have been available in earlier times. This recipe is a testament to the evolution of baking and the way in which classic techniques can be adapted to include new flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 tbsp sugar
1.25 oz (35 g) packet Red Star active dry yeast
1 tbsp grated orange rind
1 tsp salt
0.5 cup milk
0.25 cup water
2 tbsp butter
1 egg

Egg Wash

1 tbsp water
1 egg white

Filling

0.5 cup sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup (1 medium) apple, peeled, thinly sliced
1 cup dried cranberries
0.75 cup toasted nuts, chopped

Glaze

0.5 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp orange zest

How to prepare

Blend 1 cup of flour with the next 4 ingredients; set aside.
Heat milk, water, and butter until warm (120°F (49°C)); pour into a large bowl.
Add the flour mixture.
Beat on low for 30 seconds; add the egg.
Beat on medium for 3 minutes.
Stir in the remaining flour.
Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl; turn to grease. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until double in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 15 x 12-inch rectangle.
Blend the egg white and water; brush it over the dough.
Refrigerate the remaining egg wash.
Combine the sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle it over the dough. Top with apple, cranberries, and nuts.
Starting with the long side of the dough, roll it into a log; pinch to seal.
Form the log into a ring; overlap and seal the ends.
Place the ring seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
Using scissors, cut the ring from the outside through all the layers of dough to within 1 inch of the center. Make 12 cuts, 2 inches apart.
Twist each cut section 0.75-turn so that the cut side faces downward, forming a pinwheel shape.
Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until an indentation remains after touching the side, about 30 minutes.
Brush with the remaining egg wash.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool.
Blend powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
Drizzle the mixture over the cooled tea ring.

Variations

Consider adding a cream cheese filling for a richer flavor, or swap out the cranberries for raisins or other dried fruits for a different taste. Lemon zest can be used in place of orange for a different citrus note.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Apple Cranberry Tea Ring turns out perfectly, here are a few tips and tricks:

- Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.

- Warm the milk, water, and butter to the right temperature (120°F (49°C)) to activate the yeast without killing it.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for the best results.

- When rolling the dough, try to keep it in a neat rectangle to make forming the ring easier.

- Be gentle when twisting the cut sections to maintain the integrity of the filling.

Serving Suggestions

The Apple Cranberry Tea Ring is best served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, garnish the plate with fresh cranberries and orange slices.

Cooking Techniques

Key techniques in this recipe include proofing yeast, kneading dough, and forming and baking a filled bread ring. Each step contributes to the texture and flavor of the final product.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier version, whole wheat flour can replace part of the all-purpose flour. Maple syrup or honey can be used instead of granulated sugar in the filling for a natural sweetener option.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough can be prepared and allowed to rise overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, proceed with filling, shaping, and baking as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of the tea ring on a platter garnished with powdered sugar and fresh orange zest. A sprig of mint adds a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This tea ring pairs well with a variety of teas, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, for a comforting and cozy beverage option. For a festive occasion, serve with mulled wine or cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover tea ring in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Apple Cranberry Tea Ring contains approximately 300 calories. The calories are primarily derived from the carbohydrates and fats in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of the Apple Cranberry Tea Ring contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the all-purpose flour and sugars (both granulated and powdered). The apples and dried cranberries also contribute natural sugars and fiber.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 7 grams of fat per serving. The fats come from the butter used in the dough and the nuts in the filling. Using unsalted butter and toasting the nuts before adding them to the filling can enhance the flavor of the fats in this recipe.

Proteins

The Apple Cranberry Tea Ring provides about 6 grams of protein per serving. The protein sources include the all-purpose flour, egg, and nuts. For a slight increase in protein, consider using a higher-protein flour or adding more nuts to the filling.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the orange zest and juice, as well as iron and calcium from the flour and nuts. The apples and cranberries also contribute a variety of micronutrients, including vitamin A and potassium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the all-purpose flour), eggs, and nuts. Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, the Apple Cranberry Tea Ring is a moderately calorie-dense treat that offers a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. It can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, keeping in mind portion sizes.

Summary

The Apple Cranberry Tea Ring is a beautiful, flavorful bread that's perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat to brighten a regular day. With its combination of sweet and tart flavors, soft bread, and a hint of citrus, it's sure to become a favorite. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Apple Cranberry Tea Ring. It was a crisp autumn day, the air filled with the scent of fallen leaves and ripe apples. I was at a local farmer's market, browsing through the stalls filled with fresh produce and homemade goods.

As I wandered through the market, a sweet aroma caught my attention. I followed the scent to a small stand where a kind elderly woman was selling an assortment of baked goods. Among her offerings was a beautiful, golden-brown tea ring filled with apples and cranberries. I couldn't resist buying a slice to try.

The first bite was pure magic. The tender dough was filled with a warm, spiced apple and cranberry filling that was sweet and tart in perfect balance. It was like autumn on a plate, and I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I struck up a conversation with the woman, whose name was Mrs. Jenkins, and she kindly shared the recipe with me. She explained that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations, and she was happy to pass it on to me. I thanked her profusely and headed home, eager to try my hand at making the tea ring.

The process of making the tea ring was a labor of love. I started by preparing the dough, kneading it until it was smooth and elastic. Then, I rolled it out into a large rectangle and spread the apple and cranberry filling over the surface. I carefully rolled the dough into a log and shaped it into a ring, sealing the edges with a light egg wash.

As the tea ring baked in the oven, the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm fruit filled my kitchen. I could hardly wait for it to cool before slicing into it and taking a bite. The taste was just as I remembered – sweet, tart, and incredibly delicious. I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.

Since that day at the farmer's market, I have made the Apple Cranberry Tea Ring countless times. It has become a staple at my family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and even just on lazy Sunday mornings. Each time I make it, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the kindness she showed me in sharing her recipe.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding a bit more cinnamon here, a touch of orange zest there. But the basic essence of the tea ring remains the same – a comforting, flavorful treat that warms the soul on a chilly day.

I often think about the power of recipes to connect us to our past and to each other. The Apple Cranberry Tea Ring will always remind me of that lovely day at the farmer's market, of Mrs. Jenkins and her generosity, and of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

As I sit down to enjoy a slice of tea ring with a cup of hot tea, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of life – good food, good company, and the memories we create around the table. And I can't help but smile, knowing that this recipe will continue to be a part of my family's story for years to come.