Cherry-filled Bread Ring

Cherry-filled Bread Ring Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cherry-filled Bread Ring is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. This sweet bread is filled with a flavorful mixture of dried cherries, almonds, honey, and warm spices, making it a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.

History

The Cherry-filled Bread Ring recipe has been passed down through generations in many families, especially during the holiday season. This bread is often served as a traditional treat during Christmas or Easter celebrations, as the sweet and tangy cherry filling adds a festive touch to the table.

Ingredients

3 cups unbleached white flour
0.5 cup sugar
2.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
2 large eggs
0.25 cup milk
0.25 cup vegetable oil
0.25 tsp almond extract

Filling

0.5 cup blanched almonds, toasted
2 cups dried cherries
0.33 cup honey
0.25 cup orange juice
1 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.13 tsp ground cloves
1 large egg white, lightly beaten

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Using an electric mixer on low speed, blend in butter.
In a small bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and beat just until blended.
Gather the dough into a ball, dust with flour, flatten into a disk, and wrap it well.
Refrigerate the dough overnight.

Filling

In a food processor, combine all ingredients except the egg white and process until coarsely chopped and blended.
Cover and let the mixture sit overnight at room temperature.

Assembly

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Grease a baking sheet.
Roll the dough out between two sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper into an 18 x 9-inch rectangle.
Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap.
Trim a 1-inch piece off each long edge and set it aside.
Spoon the filling in a 2-inch wide strip lengthwise down the center of the dough.
Lift the plastic wrap at one long edge and fold the dough over half of the filling.
Fold the other side over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
Invert the dough seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet and remove the plastic wrap.
Pinch the two ends together to form a ring.
Using a sharp knife or small cookie cutter, cut out leaf shapes from the reserved trimmings.
Brush the bread ring with egg white and decorate it with the cut-out dough shapes.
Brush with egg white again.
Bake until lightly golden, for 30 to 40 minutes.
Let the bread ring cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
Transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for the dried cherries for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice over the baked bread ring for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for easier handling.

- Use a food processor to quickly and evenly chop the almonds and cherries for the filling.

- Decorate the bread ring with cut-out dough shapes to add a decorative touch to the finished product.

- Brushing the bread ring with egg white before baking will give it a shiny and golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry-filled Bread Ring can be served warm or at room temperature, and pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper makes it easier to handle and prevents sticking.

- Folding the dough over the filling and pressing the edges together firmly will help seal the bread ring and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of unbleached white flour for a healthier alternative.

- Replace the almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

- Swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version of the bread ring.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry-filled Bread Ring can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy mornings or special occasions.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cherry-filled Bread Ring on a decorative platter or cake stand, and garnish with fresh cherries or orange slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry-filled Bread Ring pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. It also goes well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cherry-filled Bread Ring in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices of the bread ring in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry-filled Bread Ring contains approximately 320 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cherry-filled Bread Ring contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cherry-filled Bread Ring contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry-filled Bread Ring contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry-filled Bread Ring is a good source of Vitamin C from the cherries and orange zest, as well as Vitamin E from the almonds.

Alergens

Cherry-filled Bread Ring contains almonds and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cherry-filled Bread Ring is a delicious and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its higher calorie and fat content.

Summary

Cherry-filled Bread Ring is a delightful and flavorful bread that is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. With a sweet and tangy cherry filling wrapped in a tender and buttery dough, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice of Cherry-filled Bread Ring with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious and comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cherry-filled Bread Ring. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and stained scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a faded handwritten recipe titled "Cherry-filled Bread Ring."

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the thought of sweet cherries nestled inside a soft, doughy bread sounded absolutely divine. I could practically taste the tartness of the cherries mingling with the sweetness of the bread, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish.

As I read through the recipe, I realized that it was not like any other bread recipe I had ever seen. Instead of the usual ingredients like flour, yeast, and water, this recipe called for a unique combination of ingredients such as cherry pie filling, almond extract, and powdered sugar. It seemed like a labor of love, but I was determined to master it.

I decided to call up my dear friend Mrs. Jenkins, who was known in our small town for her incredible baking skills. I knew that if anyone could help me perfect this Cherry-filled Bread Ring recipe, it was her. Mrs. Jenkins agreed to come over to my house the next day to give me a hands-on tutorial.

When Mrs. Jenkins arrived, she brought with her a large bag of fresh cherries that she had picked from her own garden that morning. She explained to me that using fresh cherries would elevate the flavor of the bread ring even more, and I was grateful for her generosity.

We began by preparing the dough, mixing together the flour, sugar, and yeast until it formed a smooth and elastic ball. Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to knead the dough properly, explaining that this was a crucial step in ensuring a light and airy bread. As we worked, she shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to bake when she was just a young girl, and I felt a deep connection to the long line of women who had passed down their culinary knowledge through the generations.

Once the dough had risen and doubled in size, we rolled it out into a large rectangle and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the surface. Mrs. Jenkins sprinkled a generous amount of almond extract over the cherries, explaining that it would add a subtle nutty flavor that would complement the sweetness of the fruit.

We carefully rolled the dough into a tight spiral, creating a ring shape that we placed on a baking sheet to rise once more. While we waited for the bread ring to proof, Mrs. Jenkins taught me how to make a simple glaze out of powdered sugar and milk that we would drizzle over the top of the finished bread.

As the bread ring baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of cherries and almond filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product. When the timer dinged, we pulled the golden-brown bread ring out of the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into it.

The first bite of the Cherry-filled Bread Ring was like heaven on my taste buds. The soft, fluffy bread enveloped the juicy cherry filling, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The almond extract added a subtle hint of nuttiness that elevated the dish to a whole new level.

Mrs. Jenkins and I shared a slice of the bread ring, savoring each bite and reveling in the success of our baking adventure. As I looked at her smiling face, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, to be passed down to future generations just as it had been passed down to me.

And so, that is the story of how I learned to make the delicious Cherry-filled Bread Ring, a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and on my table. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that Mrs. Jenkins imparted to me that day, and I will always treasure the memories of our time spent baking together.