🍞🍫 Almond-Chocolate Chip Bread: A Delicious Delight! 🍞🍫
History: The history of almond-chocolate chip bread is a delightful journey through the evolution of baking. While the exact origin is not well-documented, it likely emerged as a creative twist on traditional bread recipes, combining the nutty goodness of almonds with the sweet decadence of chocolate chips. Over time, it has become a beloved treat for breakfast or as a snack.
Components:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Steps to Prepare:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, milk, softened butter, eggs, and almond extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Add Chocolate Chips & Almonds: Gently knead in the chocolate chips and sliced almonds until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Bread: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the delicious almond-chocolate chip bread!
Total Time Needed: The preparation and baking time for almond-chocolate chip bread is approximately 3 hours, including rising time.
🕒 So there you have it! A scrumptious recipe with a rich history that combines the nutty allure of almonds and the delightful sweetness of chocolate chips. Happy baking! 🍞🍫😊
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond-Chocolate Chip Bread (per serving, assuming 12 slices):
- Calories: Approximately 285 kcal
- Total Fat: About 12g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: Around 42mg
- Sodium: Approximately 231mg
- Total Carbohydrates: About 41g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Sugars: Around 17g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
Health Information:
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Moderation: While this bread can be a delicious treat, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.
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Fats: The fat content mainly comes from butter and almonds. Almonds are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.
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Protein: The bread provides a small amount of protein, which is essential for various bodily functions.
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Fiber: While it’s not very high in fiber, the bread still contributes some dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.
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Added Sugar: Be mindful of the added sugars from both granulated and brown sugar, as excessive sugar consumption can have adverse health effects.
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Nutrients: Almonds provide essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats. Chocolate chips, while tasty, add sugar and saturated fats.
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Portion Control: Controlling portion sizes can help maintain a balanced diet.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this bread as an occasional treat, and balance it with a well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins for optimal health.