I love quick breads. Love them. Most people consider them to be a breakfast item or an afternoon nosh with coffee or tea, but their subtle sweetness to me is perfect any time of day. Citrus is at its peak in the dead of winter (one of a few bright spots in dreary January!), and this is a terrific recipe to make the most of the season’s best oranges. And, paired with some freshly made butter (recipe below), this not only makes for a tasty treat, but it also creates an opportunity to get your kiddos involved in the kitchen. Enjoy!
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
Zest of 1 small lemon
Zest of 1 orange
6 Tbsp. (3/4 stick) butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, combine milk, orange juice and lemon and orange zests.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar on high speed until light in color and texture, 2-3 minutes. Beat in eggs. Add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with milk mixture, beating on low speed or stirring with a rubber spatula just until incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary. Fold in pecans and cranberries.
Scrape batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Unmold and cool completely.
For the butter:
1 cup cold heavy cream (don’t skimp here…anything short of heavy cream won’t cut it here!)
2 tablespoons honey
1 orange, zested
(Can you see those adorable little fingers in the photos above hanging on to the side of the counter as they eagerly watch the butter being made?)Have a delicious day!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
This looks delicious, the bread and the homemade butter. I am going to have to make some of that butter with the boys. I know they will love it!
Thank you for the supportive post! I greatly appreciate it!
Amy, you have to slow down! I want to try all these recipes because they look so yummy, but you are posting them too fast! I just barely got the red NM chilies the other day and hope to make the previous mexican dish, and now I really want to make this bread too! yummy!
Amy, you have to slow down! I want to try all these recipes because they look so yummy, but you are posting them too fast! I just barely got the red NM chilies the other day and hope to make the previous mexican dish, and now I really want to make this bread too! yummy!