Alaskan Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is a delightful baked treat that combines the flavors of blueberries and lemon in a moist and sweet bread. While it may not have a specific historical origin like some iconic dishes, it’s a popular recipe enjoyed by many.
Components:
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Blueberries: The star ingredient, blueberries, provide a burst of sweet and tangy flavor as well as a beautiful purple hue when baked into the bread.
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Lemon Zest and Juice: Lemon zest and juice add a refreshing citrusy brightness to the bread, complementing the sweetness of the blueberries.
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Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base for the bread.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the bread.
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Baking Powder: Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
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Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor.
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Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the bread.
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Milk: Milk adds moisture and richness to the batter.
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Butter: Unsalted butter contributes to the bread’s texture and flavor.
Steps to Prepare Alaskan Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard-sized loaf pan.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, the zest of one lemon, and the juice of one lemon.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Blueberries: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen, do not thaw them.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the tea bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Total Time:
- Preparation: 15-20 minutes
- Baking: 50-60 minutes
- Cooling: Variable, around 30 minutes
The total time needed to prepare Alaskan Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including preparation, baking, and cooling. Enjoy this delicious treat with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee!
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts for a serving of Alaskan Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread. Please note that these values can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes:
- Calories: Approximately 220-250 calories per serving (1 slice).
- Total Fat: Around 9-12 grams, mostly from the butter and eggs.
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams, primarily from the butter.
- Cholesterol: About 40-60 milligrams, mainly from the eggs.
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200 milligrams.
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 33-38 grams, mainly from the flour and sugar.
- Dietary Fiber: Around 1-2 grams.
- Sugars: Typically 15-20 grams, largely from added sugar and natural sugars in blueberries.
- Protein: Approximately 3-5 grams, primarily from the eggs and flour.
Health Information:
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Moderation: Alaskan Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread can be a delicious treat, but it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.
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Antioxidants: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which can have various health benefits, including reducing oxidative stress.
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Added Sugar: Be mindful of the added sugar in this recipe. High sugar intake should be limited as it can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes.
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Portion Control: Consider the portion size to avoid excessive calorie intake. One slice is a reasonable serving.
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Nutrients: While this bread does provide some nutrients like protein, it’s not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals. Consider pairing it with other foods for a more balanced snack or dessert.
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Balanced Diet: Incorporate Alaskan Blueberry Lemon Tea Bread into a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
Remember that the specific nutritional content can vary based on the recipe and portion size, so it’s advisable to use a nutrition calculator or consult food labels for precise information based on your specific ingredients and serving size.