Monday, January 5, 2009

Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread

Right before Thanksgiving I managed to grab a couple extra bags of fresh cranberries. I knew that I was not going to be able to use them right away. Instead, I washed and dried them.

Then, I placed them on a cookie sheet spreading them out to ensure that most of the berries were not touching. Next, I placed the cookie sheet with the cranberries in the freezer. Once they were frozen I packaged them into 1 cup portions.

The other day I found a recipe tucked away in drawer that I had wanted to make over the holidays. It was a cranberry orange quick bread recipe from Sunset. I believe the original recipe called for dried cranberries.

I just could not resist using the frozen cranberries I had in the freezer. I thought about defrosting them ...for about a second and decided it was not necessary (the frozen berries did not affect the outcome of the bread).

I know cranberries are now out of season, but I see bags of them in the freezer aisle all the the time. So, if you're feeling a little nostalgic about the holidays then by all means pick up some frozen cranberries.

This quick bread recipe will not disappoint. It's buttery, moist, and tart. The Grand Marnier glaze on top is divine. The recipe said that it yields 2 loaves but I managed to get 3 good size loaves. Just remember that as you divide the batter amongst the pans.

Print This Recipe

One Year Ago: Kugelhopf

30 comments:

Deeba PAB said...

What a gorgeous loaf Gigi! Love the glaze...yum!! Have a wonderful 2009...hugs!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Classic deliciousness!!

Bunny said...

This is very pretty, you can just see how buttery it is, and the glaze on top would be a delight!

LyB said...

I love fresh cranberries, and, like you, I always freeze some for those times when they're no longer in the supermarkets. This recipe sounds fabulous. Happy New Year! :)

Stef said...

I love cranberries all year. Looks great! I also like your V-Day banner.

Jamie said...

I love quick breads, that glaze sounds amazing!

Anonymous said...

This look incredible, I love that glaze on top!

grace said...

my favorite breads are those that can pretty much double as cake. your glaze is the kicker for me--nicely done. :)

Silvia - Magnolia Wedding Planner said...

Gigi! darlin happy new year! sorry for being away but i really had to work a lot! uhmm looks so delicious this bread..:-P can you send some slices :-D
amazing job dear as always
a big kiss
Silvia

Caroline said...

Looks really yummy. Love the icing and the nice thick-sliced portions. :)

Jacque said...

And cranberries are good for you... so, this is like, health food!

LOL, I did exactly the same thing with a bag of cranberries. Now I have an exuse to use them.

Nice job, it looks delish!

Rachel said...

WOw I never get fresh cranberries out here where I live, but get plenty of dried ones...the glaze is so pretty as well..

shi-chan said...

This bread tempts me.
I'd like to eat it!

Sherry Trifle - Lovely Cats said...

Great looking loaf and great recipe. Thanks - I'm going to try it.

Sweet Treats by Dani said...

sounds great!!!

steph- whisk/spoon said...

i have 2 bags in my freezer, too. bread looks delicious!!

Half Baked said...

Oooh I've got a bag of cranberries in the freezer. This bread looks like just what I need to use them in!

thecoffeesnob said...

This sounds so good! Now I just have to get my hands on some frozen cranberries.

By the way, your photo looks tons better than the one on the recipe site :)

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I have frozen some fresh cranberries too... this might be the ticket!

Anonymous said...

This looks so simple and so so tasty! Love it!

Kristen said...

Ooooh! I'm generally not a big fan of anything orange, but pair it with cranberries, and it's all good. :)

Deborah said...

This makes me wish my husband was a cranberry fan - but then again, if I make it, more for me!!

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

Ooooh, how very festive - or post-festive... yummy, whichever! And I liked the way you sneaked the alcohol in...

alexandra's kitchen said...

i definitely didn't eat enough cranberry sauce this holiday season and am now, upon seeing this cake, totally nostalgic. looks delicious!

Ann said...

It's the glaze, THE GLAZE, that is killing me here at work as I gaze at this beauty!

Cookie baker Lynn said...

You are so brilliant to freeze your cranberries. I just let mine go to mush in the bottom of the veg. drawer. :-( This looks like a luscious, moist loaf. I'll have to give it a try when I get my hands of fresh cranberries.

lubnakarim06 said...

Wow looks yummylicious.

The Blonde Duck said...

That looks great! Stopped in from Abby Sweets to say hi!

Maria♥ said...

Wow I love the look and sound of this loaf, delish!

Maria
x

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I know I would like the Grand Marnier glaze on top. Sounds yummy. I also freeze bags of cranberries for when they are no longer available.
Sam