Italian Breads > Scali Breads

Cranberry Walnut Scali Bread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup chopped walnuts

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 10-12 slices

Nutritional Information (per slice):
Calories: 250
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- White sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with melted butter or coconut oil.
- Orange juice can be substituted with apple juice or pineapple juice.

Variations:
- Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
- Substitute the cranberries with raisins or dried cherries.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, dry loaf.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the loaf is too dense, make sure to not overmix the batter.
- If the loaf is too dry, add an extra tablespoon of oil or orange juice.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before baking.

Food History:
Scali bread is an Italian-American bread that originated in the early 1900s in the North End of Boston. It is traditionally made with raisins and anise seeds, but this version uses cranberries and walnuts for a modern twist.

Flavor Profiles:
This bread has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of tartness from the cranberries.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a snack or as part of a brunch spread.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Tangy, Fruity, Savory