Cranberry Bread – The Round House
This fruited bread is actually a Thanksgiving tradition in my house. We make multiple loaves and serve it with cream cheese. The combination is tangy, sweet, and unusual. And it is the perfect offering for your book club, as you discuss The Round House by Louise Erdrich.
Cranberry Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter or margarine, room temperature
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Slice your cranberries in half and set aside. It helps to cut them frozen and slightly thawed. Or pop them in the freezer for a ½ hour before you plan to cut.
Grease two bread pans.
Mix dry ingredients and toss lightly.
Add butter, orange juice, and egg and stir vigorously until combined.
Once mixed, fold in cranberries (and walnuts, optional).
Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Insert a toothpick to make sure the centers are cooked and firm. Serve with cream cheese.
Walnuts can be added to this sweet bread for extra texture and crunch. There are few things I look forward to at Thanksgiving more than Cranberry Bread. It makes a simple, delicious addition to your book club discussion of The Round House by Louise Erdrich.