Olive Oil Carrot Bread with Candied Carrots
Try this Olive Oil Carrot Bread with Candied Carrots recipe
Try this Olive Oil Carrot Bread with Candied Carrots recipe
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- for the candied carrots
- 4 young carrots (i like the look of a little spray o but they’re not necessary)
- for the olive oil carrot bread
- Carbohydrate 24.7237142717286 g
- Cholesterol 29.1101851844488 mg
- Fat 22.62005797267 g
- Fiber 2.79200552711088 g
- Protein 5.12414074190191 g
- Saturated Fat 8.43985103830239 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (193g)
- Sodium 14469.7508180876 mg
- Sugar 21.9317087446178 g
- Trans Fat 1.19118811142413 g
- Calories 317 calories
Step-by-step
- For the Candied Carrots: If needed, trim all but 1/2-inch of the carrot greens. Peel and halve carrots.
- In a wide sauce pan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat. When sugar has dissolved, add the carrots and turn heat down so that mixture bubbles ever so gently.
- Cook, swirling pan occasionally, for 20 minutes or until thinnest part of carrot is translucent.
- For the Olive Oil Carrot Bread: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally butter a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. (Note that my pan was 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inches; I poured the extra batter into 2 buttered ramekins and baked those for 50 minutes.)
- In a small bowl, combine the flours, baking powder and soda, sea salt, and spices.
- In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat eggs and sugar on low speed. Add grated carrots, zest, and vanilla.
- With mixer still on low, fold in half the flour, all of the olive oil, and then the remaining flour. Mix just until everything is well combined.
- Spoon into prepared loaf pan, and slide into oven. Set a timer for 40 minutes.
- Pull bread from oven and carefully lay 3 or 4 candied carrot halves across the top; spoon 2 tablespoons of the syrup over the top. (The idea here is for the carrots to sink into the top ever so slightly.)
- Slide back into the oven, and bake 20–30 minutes more or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached.
- Cool for 20 minutes, and then flip out onto a platter or rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve with a generous smear of salted butter. This carrot bread is best the day of, but will keep nicely wrapped in foil, at room temperature for a few days.
My Sweet Escape: Olive Oil Carrot Bread with a Twist
Baking has always been my sanctuary, a quiet corner where I can escape the daily grind and reconnect with myself. The rhythmic mixing, the intoxicating aroma of spices filling the air – it's a meditation of sorts. Today, I'm sharing a recipe that's become a recent favorite: Olive Oil Carrot Bread with Candied Carrots. It's not just a bread; it's a journey of textures and flavors, a testament to the simple joy of creating something delicious from humble ingredients.
The idea sparked on a particularly hectic Tuesday. I was juggling work deadlines, grocery shopping, and the ever-present demands of family life. Exhaustion threatened to engulf me, but the promise of a warm, comforting bread spurred me on. I rummaged through my pantry, my eyes landing on a bag of carrots. A flash of inspiration – candied carrots! The sweetness would perfectly complement the earthy notes of the carrot bread, creating a harmonious blend. And so, my culinary adventure began.
The candied carrots were surprisingly easy to make. The simple process of simmering them in sugar syrup transformed them into glistening jewels, their sweetness a delightful contrast to the moist, slightly dense texture of the bread. The olive oil, a staple in my kitchen, added a subtle richness and a delightful depth of flavor, enhancing the overall experience. The addition of warming spices – ginger and nutmeg – created a delightful symphony of tastes, a cozy embrace perfect for a chilly evening or a relaxing weekend brunch.
This bread isn't just about the ingredients; it's about the process. It's about slowing down, savoring the moments, and appreciating the simple act of creating something beautiful and delicious. The gentle kneading of the dough, the anticipation as it bakes in the oven, the satisfaction of pulling it out – golden brown and fragrant – it's a journey worth taking. The final result? A loaf of bread that's both comforting and sophisticated, a perfect balance of sweet and savory, a testament to the magic that happens when you combine simple ingredients with a little love.
More than just a recipe, this bread is a story. It's a story about finding moments of peace amidst the chaos, about transforming ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary, and about sharing the simple joy of home-baked goodness. Whether you're an experienced baker or a complete novice, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Let the aroma transport you to a place of calm, let the taste awaken your senses, and let the experience remind you of the simple pleasures that life has to offer.
Beyond the immediate gratification of a warm slice of bread, this recipe offers a deeper satisfaction. It's a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the fundamental act of creating something with your own hands. The rhythmic mixing, the precise measurements, the anticipation of the baking process – these are mindful actions that ground us in the present moment. It's a chance to slow down, to breathe, and to appreciate the simple things in life.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of warm spices and sweet carrots fill your kitchen. This olive oil carrot bread isn't just a recipe; it's an invitation to create, to connect, and to savor the sweetness of life, one delicious slice at a time.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Simplicity
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity. We're constantly bombarded with information, notifications, and deadlines. Sometimes, we need to step back and remember the importance of simplicity. This recipe is a reminder of that. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, transformed by a little time and attention into something truly special.
The beauty of this olive oil carrot bread lies not in its complexity, but in its simplicity. It's a recipe that can be adapted to suit your preferences, your available ingredients, and your level of baking experience. Whether you choose to add a sprinkle of nuts, a dash of cinnamon, or a different type of flour, the underlying magic remains the same: the transformation of humble ingredients into something delicious and satisfying.
Beyond the culinary aspect, this recipe serves as a metaphor for life itself. Like baking, life often presents us with challenges and unexpected twists. But with patience, persistence, and a little creativity, we can overcome obstacles and create something truly remarkable. Just as this bread emerges from the oven warm and fragrant, so too can we emerge from life's challenges, stronger and more resilient.
So, embrace the simplicity, savor the process, and allow the aroma of this olive oil carrot bread to fill your home with warmth and happiness. It's more than just a recipe; it's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and find joy in the everyday.
