Eggnog Bread

My Unexpected Holiday Baking Adventure: Eggnog Bread Triumphs!

The holidays are a whirlwind, aren't they? Between family gatherings, festive errands, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time for anything beyond the essentials feels like a luxury. This year, I decided to challenge myself. Instead of succumbing to the pressure of elaborate holiday baking, I opted for something simpler, something that wouldn't add to the already overflowing stress. And yet, something that would still capture the spirit of the season.

That's where my Eggnog Bread journey began. I’ve always been a fan of eggnog – that creamy, spiced concoction that embodies the warmth and coziness of the holidays. But I had never considered baking with it. The recipe itself was a happy accident; stumbled upon amidst a sea of Pinterest pins and holiday-themed blogs. Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot. I envisioned a simple, moist loaf, perfect for a quiet morning coffee or a festive afternoon tea. And, let me tell you, my expectations were far surpassed.

The initial steps were remarkably straightforward. Measuring ingredients, mixing the wet and dry components, and pouring the batter into the loaf pan – each action was a mindful moment amidst the holiday frenzy. The aroma that filled my kitchen during baking was nothing short of magical – a symphony of warm spices, sweet eggnog, and a hint of rum. It was a comforting fragrance that instantly transported me to a quieter, more peaceful space. I watched the bread rise, its edges slowly turning golden, a visual representation of the holiday magic unfolding in my own small kitchen. The anticipation was palpable.

The moment of truth arrived when the toothpick came out clean. The bread was done! As it cooled, the scent intensified, growing richer and more inviting. The first slice was heavenly – a perfect blend of moist, fluffy texture, and a delicate, subtly sweet flavor. The warmth of the spices, the creamy eggnog undertones, it was simply perfection. It was the perfect blend of festive and comforting.

But what made this baking experience truly special wasn't just the delicious end result. It was the process itself. In a season notorious for its hectic pace, the act of baking this Eggnog Bread became a grounding ritual. A moment of mindful creativity amidst the chaos. It was a reminder to slow down, to savor the simple pleasures, and to embrace the quiet moments of joy that the holidays, however busy, can offer.

I've since made this Eggnog Bread several times for various occasions. Friends and family have adored it, and I find myself making it a regular part of my holiday baking tradition. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most memorable moments aren’t the grand, elaborate gestures, but the simple, heartfelt ones. And this simple loaf of Eggnog Bread has become a perfect embodiment of that sentiment.

This year, as you navigate the holiday season’s rush, I encourage you to try this simple recipe. It's a recipe that not only yields a delicious treat but also serves as a reminder to find joy in the everyday moments, and to allow the warmth and magic of the season to permeate every aspect of your life, one slice of Eggnog bread at a time.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 egg whites (or 1/4 cup carton egg whites)
• 1 cup low-fat eggnog
• 2 tsp rum extract
• 12 packets stevia (or sweetener of choice)
• 2 1/4 cups oat flour (or flour of choice)

Step-by-step

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl or stand mixer with paddle attachment, add all the wet ingredients and sugar (egg, egg white, eggnog, rum extract, vanilla, stevia, vanilla, melted butter and applesauce). Whisk it all together until blended and smooth.
• To the same bowl, add in all your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg). Stir until combined.
• Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for approx 40 minutes, until its golden around the edges and a toothpick comes clean in the middle.
• Allow to cool fully in pan, then remove from pan and allow to cool further once removed from the pan.
• Store remainder in an airtight container.
• After a couple days, its a good idea to put in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.
• If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap (2 layers).