Day Five: Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

For Day 5 of the PammiCakes 12 Days of Christmas Indulgences, it is all about tart cranberry orange bread.  I love making quick breads.  They are easy and the perfect pastry to make when you are in a pinch for a hostess gift.  This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks or served along with a cup of tea.

 

The flavor combination of cranberries and oranges, to me, is one of the best pairs to incorporate into breads or muffins.  I love the tart, fresh cranberries mixed with the tangy orange, and balanced out by the sweet bread.  This bread would be a perfect addition to you dessert buffet or a great accompaniment to your Christmas breakfast.  I hope you enjoy!   

 
Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Makes one 9x5 inch loaf
Preheat oven 350^o
 
1/2 cup sugar
Zest from 1 orange
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
3 egg whites, lightly beaten
4 tablespoon melted butter
3 tablespoon vegetable oil
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) fresh cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

In a large bowl, mix sugar and orange zest.  With your hands, massage the zest and sugar together to infuse the sugar with the orange flavor.  Now, mix in both flours, baking powder and salt. 

Next, incorporate the orange juice, egg whites, butter and vegetable oil.  Whisk together until smooth.  Fold in the fresh cranberries and walnuts with a spatula. 

Line the bottom and sides of the loaf pan with wax paper.  Pour the bread batter into the lined loaf pan and place into the center of the oven.  Bake for 45-50 minutes.  Once the bread is cooked, let the bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, remove onto a cooking rack.