Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread

Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. This bread is packed with the flavors of cranberry and almond, making it a sweet and tangy dessert that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is inspired by Meg Ryan's love for baking and her passion for creating delicious treats for her friends and family. The combination of cranberries and almonds in this bread is a classic flavor pairing that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2.5 cup all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
1.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
1.25 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
3 eggs
1 tbsp almond extract
1 (16 oz (454 g)) can whole cranberry sauce
0.75 cup sour cream

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease and flour a 12 cup bundt pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to mix.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, gradually beat the sugar into the butter.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Blend in the almond extract.
Stir together the cranberry sauce and sour cream.
In several batches, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the cranberry sour cream, beating until blended. The batter will be thick.
Turn the batter into the bundt pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the cake is nicely browned on top and beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then run a dull knife around the inside and outer edges of the pan to loosen it.
Unmold the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Drizzle with your choice of icing, if desired.

Variations

Add a handful of white chocolate chips to the batter for an extra sweet touch.
Substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grease and flour your bundt pan well to prevent the bread from sticking.

- Be sure to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender and moist bread.

- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread as a dessert or snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender and moist bread.

- Fold in the dry ingredients gently to prevent overmixing and a tough bread.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use dried cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce.

- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the bread on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh cranberries and sliced almonds for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or toast in a toaster oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This bread is a good source of vitamin C from the cranberries and vitamin E from the almonds.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and nuts (almonds). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread is a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. Packed with the flavors of cranberry and almond, this bread is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Enjoy it as a dessert or snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. I had always been a fan of Meg Ryan and her movies, so the idea of making a bread that she enjoyed was very appealing to me. I had come across the recipe in a magazine while waiting at the doctor's office, and I knew I had to try it out.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. As I mixed together the flour, sugar, and cranberries, I couldn't help but think about the various recipes I had learned over the years. Some were passed down from my own mother, while others were shared with me by friends and neighbors. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, and I knew that this one would be no different.

As the bread baked in the oven, the sweet smell of almonds and cranberries filled my kitchen. I couldn't wait to try a slice of the finished product. When the timer finally went off, I pulled the bread out of the oven and let it cool on the counter.

The first bite was pure bliss. The tartness of the cranberries paired perfectly with the crunch of the almonds, creating a deliciously sweet and savory bread that I knew I would be making again and again. I couldn't help but think about how grateful I was to have stumbled upon this recipe, and how lucky I was to have the ability to recreate it in my own home.

Over the years, I have made Meg Ryan's Cranberry Almond Bread countless times. It has become a favorite among my family and friends, and I love sharing the recipe with anyone who asks. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that first day in my kitchen, when I discovered a new recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the recipes I have learned over the years, I am reminded of the joy and comfort that cooking has brought me. Whether it's a simple loaf of bread or a complex gourmet dish, each recipe tells a story and holds a memory within its ingredients. And for that, I am forever grateful.