πππ° Apricot Almond Bread: A Delicious Treat! πππ°
What is it?
Apricot Almond Bread is a delightful bread recipe that combines the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of dried apricots with the nutty goodness of almonds. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a tasty snack. This recipe is designed for a 1 1/2 lb. loaf, and it’s made using a breadmaker for convenience.
History:
The exact origins of Apricot Almond Bread are not well-documented, but it likely evolved as a creative twist on traditional bread recipes. Dried apricots and almonds have been used in various baked goods for centuries, so combining them in a bread recipe is a natural progression of culinary innovation.
Components:
- 1 1/2 lb. loaf of bread:
- 1 cup of water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
- 3 cups of bread flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 cup of dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup of slivered almonds
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and make sure the dried apricots are chopped and ready.
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Add Ingredients to Breadmaker: In the bread pan of your breadmaker, add the following in this order: water, vegetable oil, salt, bread flour, sugar, dried apricots, slivered almonds, and bread machine yeast. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific breadmaker.
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Select the Setting: Choose the appropriate setting on your breadmaker for a 1 1/2 lb. loaf. This may vary depending on your machine, but usually, you’ll select the “Basic” or “White Bread” setting.
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Start the Machine: Close the lid and start the breadmaker. It will knead, rise, and bake the bread for you. This typically takes around 3-4 hours, but the exact time can vary.
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Cool and Slice: Once the breadmaker has finished its cycle, carefully remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack. This will prevent it from becoming too moist on the bottom due to condensation.
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Slice and Enjoy: Once the Apricot Almond Bread has cooled, slice it, and savor the delightful combination of sweet apricots and crunchy almonds in every bite!
Total Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Apricot Almond Bread can vary depending on your breadmaker and its settings. On average, it takes about 3-4 hours for the bread to be ready. However, this includes the time for kneading, rising, and baking, during which you can go about your other activities. So, while it requires some patience, the delicious end result is definitely worth it! ππ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Almond Bread (1 1/2 lb. loaf):
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: Around 150-200 calories per slice (serving size may vary).
- Total Fat: 4-6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 gram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 150-250 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 5-7 grams
- Protein: 4-6 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: Apricot Almond Bread is relatively moderate in calories, making it a suitable choice for a balanced diet.
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Low in Saturated Fat: It contains a low amount of saturated fat, which is heart-healthy.
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Low Cholesterol: This bread is cholesterol-free, which is good for heart health.
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Source of Fiber: With a small amount of dietary fiber, it can contribute to digestive health and help you feel full.
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Natural Sugars: The sugars mostly come from the dried apricots and are not added sugars. They provide some natural sweetness.
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Protein: It contains a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall well-being.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Apricot Almond Bread may provide some vitamins and minerals from the dried apricots and almonds, including vitamin A, vitamin E, and various B vitamins. Almonds are also a good source of magnesium.
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Potential Allergens: If you have nut allergies, please be cautious as almonds are present in this recipe.
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Portion Control: Like any food, moderation is key. Enjoying Apricot Almond Bread as part of a balanced diet is a healthy choice, but be mindful of portion sizes.
Remember that the actual nutrition values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. It’s always a good idea to check product labels and consult with a nutritionist if you have specific dietary concerns.