ππ “An Apple a Day Bread” ππ
History:
The “Apple a Day Bread” is a delightful and wholesome baked treat that combines the goodness of apples with the comfort of homemade bread. Its origins are a bit unclear, but it likely emerged as a creative way to incorporate apples into traditional bread recipes, possibly as a way to use up an abundance of apples during harvest season.
Components:
- Apples: You’ll need 2-3 medium-sized apples, preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala. These add a sweet and fruity flavor to the bread.
- Flour: About 2 Β½ cups of all-purpose flour forms the base of the bread.
- Sugar: Β½ cup of granulated sugar for sweetness.
- Yeast: 1 packet (about 2 ΒΌ teaspoons) of active dry yeast for leavening.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for flavor and to control yeast activity.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (or more to taste) for that warm and cozy spice.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs for moisture and structure.
- Butter: ΒΌ cup of unsalted butter, melted.
- Milk: Β½ cup of warm milk to activate the yeast.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for added flavor.
Steps to Prepare:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Mix Everything: Gradually add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, followed by the wet ingredient mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
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Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
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Add Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples into the dough. You can also add some raisins or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
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Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) during the second rise.
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Bake: Bake the bread for about 35-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Rising time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Baking time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours
Enjoy your homemade “Apple a Day Bread” as a delicious snack or breakfast treat! πππ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for “Apple a Day Bread” (per serving, assuming 12 servings):
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: Approximately 235 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 260mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin D: 2%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 10%
- Potassium: 3%
Health Information:
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Calories: This bread provides moderate calories, making it suitable as a snack or part of a balanced meal.
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Total Fat: The fat content is relatively low, with most of it coming from butter. It contributes to the bread’s moist texture and flavor.
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Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is moderately low and should be well within a healthy range for most individuals.
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Sodium: The sodium content is moderate and should be watched if you have specific dietary restrictions related to sodium intake.
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Carbohydrates: The bread is a source of carbohydrates, mainly from flour and sugar. These provide energy, but be mindful of portion size if you’re monitoring carbohydrate intake.
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Dietary Fiber: While this bread isn’t exceptionally high in fiber, the apples and cinnamon do provide some, aiding in digestion and a feeling of fullness.
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Sugars: The sugar content is moderate, mostly from added sugar and natural sugars in the apples. It adds sweetness but should be enjoyed in moderation.
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Protein: There’s a small amount of protein, primarily from the eggs and flour. It’s not a significant protein source.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The bread contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. However, it’s not a substantial source of these nutrients.
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Health Considerations: This bread, while delicious, should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie or sugar intake. The apples add some nutritional value, but it’s not a replacement for whole fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Remember that individual serving sizes and nutritional needs may vary, so adjust your portion size accordingly to fit your dietary goals and preferences.