Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup milk
Special equipment needed:
- A large mixing bowl
- A wooden spoon or electric mixer
- A loaf pan
- A piece of cloth or cheesecloth
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the molasses and dried cranberries.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Cover the top of the pan with a piece of cloth or cheesecloth and tie it around the edges with kitchen twine.
9. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
11. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
1 loaf, serves 8-10 people
Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 220mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- If you don't have dried cranberries, you can use raisins or chopped dates instead.
- You can use honey instead of molasses for a milder flavor.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for extra crunch.
- You can add grated orange zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor.
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a sweeter flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to tie the cloth or cheesecloth tightly around the edges of the pan to prevent the bread from rising too much.
- You can serve the bread warm with a dollop of whipped cream or butter.
- The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Slice the bread and arrange it on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh cranberries, mint leaves, powdered sugar.
Pairings:
This bread goes well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the bread is too moist, try baking it for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling food.
- Store the bread in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
- Discard any leftover bread that has been sitting at room temperature for more than 3 days.
Food history:
Clootie and Cranberry Bread is a traditional Scottish dessert that dates back to the 16th century. It was originally made by boiling a mixture of flour, oatmeal, and water in a cloth (known as a "clootie") over an open fire. The bread was then dried out and served with honey or jam. Over time, the recipe evolved to include spices and dried fruit, such as cranberries.
Flavor profiles:
This bread has a warm and spicy flavor, with hints of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The sweetness of the molasses and brown sugar is balanced by the tartness of the dried cranberries.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this bread as a dessert or a snack. It's perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a holiday gathering.
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Region: Scottish