Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread

Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40-45 minutes | Servings: 3 miniature loaves

Introduction

Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread is a delightful and flavorful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of chocolate chips. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional cranberry bread recipes. The addition of chocolate chips adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the bread, making it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

1 cup HERSHEY'S semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
0.5 cup pecan pieces
2 tsp freshly grated orange peel
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
2 tbsp shortening
0.75 cup orange juice
1 egg, slightly beaten
cocoa DRIZZLE GLAZE (recipe follows)
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 tbsp HERSHEY'S cocoa or HERSHEY'S Dutch Processed cocoa
1 tbsp water
0.5 cup powdered sugar
0.5 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three miniature loaf pans measuring 5-0.75x3-0.25x2 inches.
In a small bowl, stir together the chocolate chips, cranberries, pecans, and orange peel. Set aside.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a pastry blender to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the orange juice, egg, and the reserved chocolate chip mixture just until moistened. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaves to cool for 15 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Drizzle the cocoa glaze over the top of the loaves.
This recipe yields 3 loaves.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the butter on HIGH (100%) for 20 to 30 seconds until melted.
Stir in the cocoa and water.
Microwave on HIGH for 15 to 30 seconds or just until the mixture is hot, slightly thickened, and smooth when stirred. Do not boil.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating with a whisk until smooth.
If necessary, add additional water, a few drops at a time, until the glaze reaches the desired consistency.
The glaze should yield about 0.25 cup.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries for fresh or frozen cranberries.
Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the cranberries coarsely to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

- Use fresh cranberries when they are in season for the best flavor, but frozen cranberries can also be used.

- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense bread.

- The cocoa drizzle glaze adds an extra layer of flavor to the bread, so be sure to drizzle it over the top while the loaves are still warm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Use a pastry blender to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

- Be sure to allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine instead of shortening.

- Substitute orange zest for freshly grated orange peel.

Make Ahead Tips

Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread on a decorative platter with fresh cranberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or toast it in a toaster oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, while chocolate chips provide a small amount of iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs. It can be easily modified to be nut-free by omitting the pecans.

Summary

Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread is a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season or any time of year. With a perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet chocolate chips, and a cocoa drizzle glaze, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, and there was a slight chill in the air. I had decided to take a stroll through the local farmer's market, hoping to find some inspiration for a new recipe to try out.

As I meandered through the rows of fresh produce and artisanal goods, my eyes landed on a stand overflowing with plump, juicy cranberries. The vibrant red berries called out to me, and I knew I had to incorporate them into my cooking somehow.

I struck up a conversation with the friendly farmer selling the cranberries, and she mentioned a recipe for Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread that had been passed down through generations in her family. Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me, and she obliged with a smile.

The recipe seemed simple enough, but it was the combination of flavors that piqued my interest. Tart cranberries, sweet cherries, and rich chocolate chips all baked into a moist and delicious bread. I knew I had to try it out for myself.

I rushed home, eager to get started on my latest culinary adventure. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, butter, dried cherries, fresh cranberries, and of course, plenty of chocolate chips.

I preheated the oven and got to work, combining the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. As I mixed everything together, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and nutmeg.

I gently folded in the cherries, cranberries, and chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix the batter. I poured it into a greased loaf pan and popped it into the oven, eagerly anticipating the finished product.

As the bread baked, the sweet aroma wafted through the house, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer finally dinged, I carefully removed the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

The moment of truth had arrived. I sliced into the bread, revealing a beautiful mosaic of cranberries, cherries, and chocolate chips. I took a bite, and instantly, I was transported to a place of bliss.

The tartness of the cranberries melded perfectly with the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate chips, creating a symphony of flavors in my mouth. The bread was moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.

I knew I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. I shared the bread with my family and friends, who all raved about its deliciousness.

Since that fateful day at the farmer's market, Cheery Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread has become a beloved tradition in our household. It's a recipe that brings joy and warmth to those who taste it, just as it did for me on that autumn day.

I am grateful to the kind farmer who shared her family recipe with me, and I will always cherish the memories of baking this bread in my kitchen, surrounded by loved ones. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body – it's about feeding the soul, and this recipe does just that.