Fiction Diner: Cherry Almond Bread

I found this recipe on The Recipe Critic. The beautiful color called out to me the moment I saw it. View the link to see her lovely pictures. 

Cherry Almond Bread

I’ve already mentioned that what drew me to this recipe was the vibrant pink color of the bread that I saw on the original blog post. Naturally, my pink-loving heart was disappointed with the pinky-orange that I saw in my version. A few drops of food coloring will cure this next time.
The bread was super easy to make as all quick breads are. It came out dense but not dry. It wasn’t too sweet. The powder sugar was a perfect addition. This bread would go great with a cup of tea.
I’m giving this recipe 9 stars.

Ingredients: 

• 1 c. sugar
• ½ c. vegetable or canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1½ tsp. almond extract
• 2¼ c. all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 (8 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, chopped, juice reserved
• powdered sugar, for garnish

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) two 8×4-inch loaf pans; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and oil; add eggs, vanilla and almond extract and beat well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Measure out ½ cup of the reserved maraschino cherry juice. If juice does not equal ½ cup, add enough water to make up the rest. Alternately add the flour mixture and cherry juice to the sugar mixture until it is just combined. Stir in the chopped cherries.
2. Divide batter evenly between both loaf pans. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert to a wire rack and cool completely. Dust tops of bread with powdered sugar, if desired, slice and serve. Makes: 2 loaves.

Note: If you’re looking for a more vibrant color, add a few drops of red food coloring.

I baked mine in the Pampered Chef loaf stone which is a tad larger than the one she mentions in the directions above. It fit perfectly in mine and I only baked one loaf.

These would also make good muffins.

Novel Quote: 

“Because I think it’s wise for the man who is king, as you say, to remember what it’s like…not to be.” – A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

Such a helpful tip on how to stay humble.