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Mandarin Cranberry Bliss Mini Loaves

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Lennie’s Cranberry Mandarin Mini Loaves are a delightful creation born from a quest to recreate a lost favorite. This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries and mandarin oranges with the comforting texture of a quick bread, perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Here’s a detailed exploration of this recipe:

Recipe Overview:

  • Name: Lennie’s Cranberry Mandarin Mini Loaves
  • Category: Quick Breads
  • Keywords: Breads, Dessert, Fruit, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Kosher, Potluck, Christmas, Thanksgiving, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
  • Rating: 5 stars (from 5 reviews)
  • Calories per Serving: 616.4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 mini loaves

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Preparation:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 4 mini loaf pans with cooking spray (Pam) and set aside. If using larger loaf pans (like 8×4 inches), adjust baking time accordingly.
  2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cranberries to the flour mixture and gently stir to coat them. This helps prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaves during baking. Set aside.
  3. Preparing Wet Ingredients:

    • In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk with a mixer on low speed. Add 1/4 cup of juice from the tinned mandarin oranges, canola oil, orange zest, and mandarin oranges. Mix until well combined.
  4. Combining Mixtures:

    • Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring just until all the dry ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
  5. Adding Mandarin Oranges:

    • Ensure the tinned mandarin oranges are well drained, then gently stir them into the batter.
  6. Baking:

    • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini loaf pans. They should be about 3/4 full. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.
  7. Cooling:

    • Allow the loaves to cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on the wire rack.

Serving and Storage:

  • These mini loaves are perfect for sharing at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. They can be served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 616.4
  • Fat: 14.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.9g
  • Cholesterol: 108mg
  • Sodium: 623.7mg
  • Carbohydrates: 112.5g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 60.5g
  • Protein: 11.8g

Tips and Variations:

  • Ingredient Substitutions: You can use whole milk instead of low-fat milk for a richer texture, or substitute vegetable oil for canola oil if preferred.
  • Additions: Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
  • Size Variation: If using larger loaf pans, increase the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.

Conclusion:

Lennie’s Cranberry Mandarin Mini Loaves are a wonderful blend of fruity flavors and moist texture, making them a standout addition to any baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with loved ones during the holidays, these mini loaves are sure to delight with their homemade charm and delicious taste.

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