ππ« Almond-Chocolate Chip Bread: A Delicious Delight! ππ«
History: The history of almond-chocolate chip bread is a delightful journey through the evolution of baking. While the exact origin is not well-documented, it likely emerged as a creative twist on traditional bread recipes, combining the nutty goodness of almonds with the sweet decadence of chocolate chips. Over time, it has become a beloved treat for breakfast or as a snack.
Components:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Steps to Prepare:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, milk, softened butter, eggs, and almond extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Add Chocolate Chips & Almonds: Gently knead in the chocolate chips and sliced almonds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Bread: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Bake the bread for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the delicious almond-chocolate chip bread!
Total Time Needed: The preparation and baking time for almond-chocolate chip bread is approximately 3 hours, including rising time.
π So there you have it! A scrumptious recipe with a rich history that combines the nutty allure of almonds and the delightful sweetness of chocolate chips. Happy baking! ππ«π
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond-Chocolate Chip Bread (per serving, assuming 12 slices):
- Calories: Approximately 285 kcal
- Total Fat: About 12g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: Around 42mg
- Sodium: Approximately 231mg
- Total Carbohydrates: About 41g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Sugars: Around 17g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
Health Information:
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Moderation: While this bread can be a delicious treat, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.
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Fats: The fat content mainly comes from butter and almonds. Almonds are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.
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Protein: The bread provides a small amount of protein, which is essential for various bodily functions.
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Fiber: While it’s not very high in fiber, the bread still contributes some dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.
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Added Sugar: Be mindful of the added sugars from both granulated and brown sugar, as excessive sugar consumption can have adverse health effects.
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Nutrients: Almonds provide essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats. Chocolate chips, while tasty, add sugar and saturated fats.
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Portion Control: Controlling portion sizes can help maintain a balanced diet.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this bread as an occasional treat, and balance it with a well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins for optimal health.