Diabetic-friendly Anise Raisin Bread

Diabetic-friendly Anise Raisin Bread Recipe - Healthy & Delicious

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Anise Raisin Bread is a delicious and diabetic-friendly bread recipe that is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bread. This recipe combines the unique flavors of anise seeds and raisins to create a flavorful and satisfying bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

History

Anise Raisin Bread has been a popular recipe for many years, with its origins dating back to traditional European baking techniques. Anise seeds have long been used in baking for their distinct licorice-like flavor, while raisins add a touch of sweetness to the bread. This diabetic-friendly version of the recipe has been adapted to include reduced-calorie margarine and sweetener to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

2 cups minus 2 tsp of flour
2.5 tsp of baking powder
3 tbsp of reduced-calorie margarine
1 tsp of reduced-calorie margarine
0.5 cup of skim milk
0.25 cup of sugar (or sweetener equivalent)
1 tbsp of crushed anise seeds
0.25 tsp of anise extract
0.5 tsp of lemon extract
1 egg
0.25 cup of raisins

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
Add the margarine and blend with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, except for the raisins.
Beat the mixture with a fork or wire whisk until it is blended.
Add this mixture and the raisins to the dry ingredients, stirring until all the ingredients are moistened.
Place the dough in a 4x8" nonstick loaf pan or one that has been sprayed with a nonstick cooking spray.
Gently pat down the dough with slightly wet fingertips.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a rack to finish cooling.

Variations

For a sweeter version of Anise Raisin Bread, you can increase the amount of sweetener used in the recipe. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Anise Raisin Bread, be sure to use reduced-calorie margarine and sweetener to keep the recipe diabetic-friendly. Be sure to blend the dry ingredients well before adding the wet ingredients to ensure a smooth and even texture. Additionally, gently pat down the dough in the loaf pan before baking to ensure an even rise.

Serving Suggestions

Anise Raisin Bread is delicious when served warm with a spread of reduced-fat cream cheese or almond butter. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and satisfying snack.

Cooking Techniques

When making Anise Raisin Bread, be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing the dough. This will help ensure a light and tender texture in the finished bread.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have anise extract on hand, you can substitute with vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients.

Make Ahead Tips

Anise Raisin Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Anise Raisin Bread can be sliced and served on a decorative platter with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Anise Raisin Bread pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting snack. It can also be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a fruit smoothie for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Anise Raisin Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Anise Raisin Bread contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and satisfying option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Anise Raisin Bread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.

Fats

Each serving of Anise Raisin Bread contains approximately 5 grams of fat, with the majority coming from the reduced-calorie margarine used in the recipe.

Proteins

Each serving of Anise Raisin Bread contains approximately 3 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and filling option for a snack or meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Anise Raisin Bread is a good source of iron, with each serving containing approximately 1.5 milligrams of this essential mineral.

Alergens

Anise Raisin Bread contains wheat and eggs, making it unsuitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Anise Raisin Bread is a diabetic-friendly bread recipe that is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a suitable option for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels. With a unique flavor profile and satisfying texture, this bread is a delicious and nutritious option for breakfast or as a snack.

Summary

Anise Raisin Bread is a delicious and diabetic-friendly bread recipe that is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bread. With a unique flavor profile and satisfying texture, this bread is a nutritious and satisfying option for breakfast or as a snack.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Diabetic-friendly Anise Raisin Bread. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had invited my dear friend Margaret over for a cup of tea. As we sat in my cozy kitchen, sipping our tea and catching up on each other's lives, Margaret mentioned that her husband had recently been diagnosed with diabetes.

As someone who loved to cook and bake, I immediately felt a pang of sadness for Margaret and her husband. I knew how much joy food brought to their lives, and the thought of having to give up certain treats was disheartening. But then Margaret mentioned that she had come across a recipe for a diabetic-friendly bread that was not only delicious but safe for her husband to enjoy in moderation.

Intrigued, I asked Margaret to share the recipe with me. She rummaged through her purse and handed me a tattered piece of paper with handwritten instructions for Anise Raisin Bread. As I read through the ingredients and steps, I couldn't help but feel excited. The combination of anise and raisins sounded like a delightful twist on traditional bread, and the fact that it was suitable for diabetics made it even more special.

I thanked Margaret for sharing the recipe with me and promised to give it a try. As she left, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven. The kitchen filled with the warm scent of anise as I mixed the dough and folded in the plump raisins. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as I shaped the dough into a loaf and popped it into the oven.

As the bread baked, I thought back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. From my own mother's kitchen to cooking classes and cookbooks, I had amassed a treasure trove of culinary knowledge. But there was something special about this recipe for Anise Raisin Bread. It felt like a gift from Margaret, a way to show her support for her husband's health while still indulging in a delicious treat.

When the timer pinged and I pulled the bread out of the oven, I was greeted with a golden loaf that smelled heavenly. I let it cool slightly before slicing into it, revealing a tender crumb speckled with plump raisins and fragrant anise seeds. I couldn't resist tearing off a piece and taking a bite. The bread was moist and flavorful, with just a hint of sweetness from the raisins and a warm, licorice-like undertone from the anise.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. Not only was it delicious and diabetic-friendly, but it also held a special place in my heart as a token of friendship from Margaret. I made a mental note to share the recipe with others who may benefit from a healthier, yet still indulgent treat.

Over the years, I have made Anise Raisin Bread countless times. It has become a favorite among my family and friends, who appreciate its unique flavor and health-conscious ingredients. I have even adapted the recipe to include variations such as whole wheat flour or different types of dried fruit.

As I look back on that chilly autumn day when I first discovered the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the connections and memories that food can bring. Cooking and baking have always been a source of joy and comfort for me, a way to express love and creativity in a tangible form. And in the case of Anise Raisin Bread, it is also a reminder of the power of friendship and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones.

So, as I sit here in my kitchen, enjoying a slice of freshly baked Anise Raisin Bread with a cup of tea, I can't help but smile. This recipe may have come to me by chance, but it has since become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a symbol of friendship, health, and the enduring joy of good food.