The adults in my family are not big on holiday presents. Most of my relatives don’t “want” anything, and they have no desire to spend days (and a huge chunk of change) tracking down stuff at the mall. We DO enjoy exchanging food gifts—usually homemade (though no judgment is passed if we get a tasty gift basket of treats)—because everyone likes food.
Last year my grandmother decided we all would exchange homemade breads, and a new family tradition was born. I knew most of my usual repertoire would be made by my relatives—pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, banana bread. . . I searched for a unique recipe I knew no one else would make.
Our neighbor’s tangerine tree hangs over our yard. We usually zest our small harvest so we can make Tangerinecello—our Florida a variation on the Italian Limoncello. (check out those recipes here and here!) I searched for a way to incorporate our home-grown sweet citrus.
Orange —> tangerine + Christmas. . . how about some Cranberry Orange Bread?
I fell in love with these paper trays and bags. I think they were from the Martha Stewart line, found last year at Michael’s (1/2 off, of course!) They made my breads look totally gift-worthy!
The bread was a total hit.
It’s rich, reminding me more of a light pound cake than the usual quick bread (must be all that butter). I could devour it for dessert. (Ooh, with a touch of ice cream on top I’d be in heaven!) Or you could whip up a quick glaze—I didn’t because my little breads had to travel.
It’s pretty easy, slightly decadent, and totally gift-worthy. Not to mention rather festive looking, and perfect for Christmas brunch or breakfast.
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon orange (or tangerine) zest
3/4 cup orange (or tangerine) juice
1 egg
1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- Grease/spray bottom of a 8×4 or 9×5 loaf pan (skip if you’re using paper baking pans).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add butter (I like to chop it into bits) and mix until good and crumbly.
- Add zest, juice, and egg; stir until moistened. Fold in cranberries.
- Pour batter (it will be thick) into pan and bake until a knife comes clean from the center.
- For a 8″ loaf, about 75 min; for a 9″ loaf, about 55-65 min at 350F (watch after about 50 min, depending on your oven).
- Loosen sides from pan, remove, and cool completely.
*Optional GLAZE*
Mix 1 Tbsp. orange juice, 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, and enough extra orange juice to get it to a “drizzly” consistency. When cake bread is completely cool, drizzle over top.
Cheers and enjoy!
I’m linking this holiday tradition up with Mama Kat. Drop by and see her!
Those look delicious! What a fun family tradition!
Jen E @ mommablogsalot recently posted…5 of my Favorite Modern Christmas Songs
This recipe looks great! I love to bake, so I think I’ll have to try this out. Thanks for sharing!
Angelina Costenaro recently posted…A strange (but cherished!) holiday tradition
I’m so jealous. My family is the worst with food gifts. Some are way picky. And certain relatives seem to think that food isn’t for eating. I have to be very careful about who I make food gifts for if I don’t want to waste my effort.
Jen Anderson recently posted…The Food of My People
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