2 oz (57 g) Holiday Bread is a delicious addition to any holiday feast, with its warm spices and soft texture. Each slice of this bread contains approximately 150 calories, making it a satisfying but not too heavy option for your holiday meal.
This bread is also packed with nutritional benefits, thanks to its mix of healthy ingredients. You'll find whole wheat flour, dried fruits, and nuts in this recipe, which offer plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This bread provides a nice balance of macronutrients as well, with healthy fats and carbohydrates to fuel your holiday activities.
In this article, we'll be sharing everything you need to know about Holiday Bread, from how to make it from scratch to where to buy it, and even some fun variations from different cultures! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, you'll find plenty of helpful tips and advice here.
Each serving of 2 oz (57 g) Holiday Bread contains approximately 150 calories, making it a moderate option for your holiday meal. The recipe provides 10 servings in total, so you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your needs. If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, you can also cut thinner slices or serve smaller portions. However, keep in mind that this bread is quite filling, so you may find that you don't need as much as you think!
Perfect for a Holiday Feast
Holiday Bread is a classic addition to any holiday meal, from Christmas to Hanukkah to Thanksgiving. Its warm, comforting flavors and soft texture make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. This bread goes well with a variety of other holiday dishes, such as roasted meats, stews, and casseroles. You can also serve it with spreads like butter, jam, or honey for a sweet twist. One of the best things about Holiday Bread is that it's easy to make in advance, so you can focus on other aspects of your meal on the day of your gathering. Simply bake the bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.
Ingredients List for this Delicious Bread
To make Holiday Bread from scratch, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup lukewarm water
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 large egg
Most of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and you may even have some of them on hand already. You can also experiment with different dried fruits and nuts to create a personalized flavor profile for your bread.
How to Make Holiday Bread from Scratch
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan and set aside. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, dried apricots, walnuts, and egg. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Tips for Storing and Reheating
If you make Holiday Bread ahead of time, it's important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your bread:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and heat it in a 350 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- You can also freeze the bread for up to 1 month, either whole or in slices. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Benefits of Holiday Bread
Holiday Bread is not only delicious, but also packed with nutritional benefits! Here are some of the key health benefits of the ingredients found in this recipe:
- Whole wheat flour: provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron and magnesium.
- Dried apricots: contain antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
- Walnuts: offer healthy fats, protein, and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and magnesium.
By incorporating Holiday Bread into your holiday meal, you can boost your nutrient intake and support your overall health and wellbeing. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation, as with any food.
Where to Buy Holiday Bread
If you don't have the time or energy to make Holiday Bread from scratch, you can always buy it at your local bakery or grocery store. Look for artisanal or specialty breads, which may offer unique flavors and ingredients. You can also order Holiday Bread online from specialty retailers or even from bakeries in different countries for a taste of international holiday traditions! Just make sure to read reviews and check for delivery options and shipping fees.
Other Holiday Treats to Pair with this Bread
Holiday Bread is a versatile treat that can be served with a variety of other holiday dishes and treats. Here are some delicious and festive pairings to try:
- Eggnog: the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog pairs well with the warm spices and nutty flavors in the bread.
- Roasted turkey or ham: the savory flavors of these meats balance out the sweet and spicy notes in the bread, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Spiced cider or hot cocoa: both of these warm, comforting drinks complement the bread's soft texture and sweet flavors.
Holiday Bread Recipes from Different Cultures
Holiday Bread is a traditional treat in many cultures around the world, from Germany to Italy to Japan. Here are some other holiday bread recipes to try:
- Stollen: a German bread made with fruits, nuts, and spices, often dusted with powdered sugar.
- Panettone: an Italian bread enriched with eggs and butter, studded with dried fruits, and often served with sweet spreads like Nutella.
- Anpan: a Japanese bread filled with sweet red bean paste, often served during the New Year's holiday.
By trying out these different recipes, you can explore new culinary traditions and expand your holiday menu!
Variations of Holiday Bread to Try
While Holiday Bread is delicious on its own, there are plenty of variations to experiment with to make it even more exciting. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Cranberry walnut bread: add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the recipe for a tart and crunchy twist.
- Gingerbread bread: swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for ground ginger, cloves, and molasses for a spicy and sweet flavor profile.
- Savory herb bread: omit the brown sugar and add chopped fresh herbs and garlic for a herbaceous and savory bread that pairs well with roasted meats.
Whatever variation you choose, just be sure to follow the basic recipe guidelines for a moist and flavorful treat that everyone will love.
“Happiness is the smell of freshly baked bread!”
FAQs About Holiday Bread
1. What is holiday bread?
Holiday bread is a type of sweet bread that is commonly consumed during festive seasons such as Christmas.
2. How many calories are in a serving of holiday bread?
One serving of holiday bread (2 oz or 57 g) contains 150 calories.
3. What are the ingredients of holiday bread?
The ingredients for holiday bread can vary depending on the recipe, but usually include flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, yeast, and dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries.
4. How should I store holiday bread?
Holiday bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
5. How can I serve holiday bread?
Holiday bread can be enjoyed on its own or with toppings such as butter, jam, or cream cheese. It can also be sliced and used in French toast or bread pudding recipes.