Cranberry Orange Bread

I found this recipe while looking for ideas for Christmas presents for some friends. I knew I wouldn't be able to afford to buy presents for my family, Cory's family, and my friends, so I figured I would find an awesome Christmassy recipe to bake for them! So, after I made sure they weren't allergic to anything, I had to figure out how to make a dang loaf of bread, cause I have definitely never done that before. It really wasn't too hard to make, and it actually turned out great! The link to the original recipe is here, enjoy!

Cranberry Orange Bread

Ingredients:

{Yields one 8x4 inch loaf or three 5.75x3 inch loaves} ~2 c all-purpose flour ~3/4 c sugar ~1 1/2 tsp baking powder ~3/4 tsp salt ~1/2 tsp baking soda ~1/4 c butter, softened ~4 oz candied orange peel ~Zest of 1 orange, about 1 tbsp ~1 c buttermilk ~1 egg ~1 c whole cranberries ~1/2 c walnuts ~1 tbsp orange juice ~1 cup sifted powdered sugar ~Enough freshly squeezed OJ to reach glaze consistency

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a nonstick loaf pan (8x4 inch) or three mini loaf pans (5.75 x 3 inch) with cooking spray. 2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Add butter and mix until crumbly. 3. Add the candied orange peel and orange zest. Add the buttermilk and egg; stir until moistened. Add the cranberries and nuts.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. 5. For an 8-inch loaf pan, bake for about 70 minutes; for mini loaves bake for 30-35 minutes (check at 30 minutes). 6. Loosen the loaf (or loaves) from the sides of the pan and transfer to a wire cooling rack. When cool, prepare the glaze by combining the OJ, powdered sugar, and enough extra OJ to create a thick drizzle. Drizzle the glaze over the loaf and let set, about 1 hour. 7. A large loaf can be gifted in a large gusseted bread bag. Smaller loaves can be gifted in small gusseted candy bags (available at craft stores).

I originally made 3 loaves, but I had to do some experimenting with the ingredients, so I had to test out one loaf before giving the other 2 away... I could not for the life of me find candied orange peel at the commissary, so I had to get crafty. I used a cheese grater (whatever those things are called) to get some extra orange peel, and since we ran out of sugar (of course, am I right?!?!) I sauteed them in some honey until they had a candied look....It actually turned out okay, and I didn't notice a difference when I tried the bread. Cory and Croker ate the loaf in a matter of minutes, and it turned out to be a hit!

~S

(side note, this tastes best when warm!)

*pictures are not mine, they are from Sprinkles Bakes*