Tea and Lime Loaf Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Tea and Lime Loaf, a perfect treat for any time of the day! This recipe combines the subtle essence of tea with the refreshing zest of lime, resulting in a moist and flavorful loaf that’s bound to become a household favorite. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast option, a sweet dessert, or a satisfying snack, this loaf promises to elevate your taste buds to new heights of culinary bliss.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lime rind, finely grated
- 1/2 cup cold tea (Red Rose brand recommended)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons nuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of sugar, shortening, and eggs until thoroughly combined and creamy in texture.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and finely grated lime rind. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
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Alternate Mixing:
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed sugar and egg mixture, alternating with the cold tea. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth batter.
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Optional Addition:
- Fold in chopped nuts if desired, adding a delightful crunch and extra flavor to the loaf.
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Prepare Loaf Pan:
- Grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan and line it with waxed paper for easy removal of the loaf after baking.
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Fill and Level:
- Pour the prepared batter into the lined loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Use a spatula to level the top of the batter for uniform baking.
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Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 350ΒΊF (180ΒΊC). Place the filled loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Prepare Syrup:
- While the loaf is baking, prepare the syrup by heating the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with lime juice until the sugar is completely dissolved, forming a sweet and tangy syrup.
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Infuse with Syrup:
- Once the loaf is baked and still in the pan, use a wooden pick to pierce the top of the loaf all over. Slowly spoon the prepared lime syrup over the warm loaf, allowing it to seep into the tiny holes and infuse the loaf with flavor.
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Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan before removing it. This ensures that the syrup is absorbed, resulting in a moist and flavorful texture. Once cooled, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and slice into thick, tempting slices.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy slices of this Tea and Lime Loaf on its own for a delightful snack, or pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting breakfast or afternoon treat. For added indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, elevating this simple loaf into a decadent dessert experience.
Recipe Notes:
- For the best results, use Red Rose brand tea for its unique blend of Orange and Black Pekoe, which enhances the flavor profile of this loaf.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
- Ensure the loaf is completely cooled before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
- Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days, or freeze for longer-term storage.
Prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible aroma and taste of this Tea and Lime Loaf, a true testament to the magic of homemade baking. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, this loaf is sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire, bringing joy to every bite!
