Cranberry Bread

Unfortunately, cranberries are often served up for the holidays with a heaping dose of sugar. That’s why we’ve developed a new recipe for you to add to your sugar free baking repertoire. This delicious Cranberry Bread is wheat-free, sugar-free and vegan. It will satisfy your nostalgic cravings without interfering with your healthy diet.

Fresh cranberries peak during the Holiday season – October through December. They should be ripe, plump, firm and deep red. Make sure to buy them organic. They will store for a long time in the refrigerator – up to several months – and can be frozen to prolong the season.

Ingredients:

(use organic whenever possible)

1/3 cup virgin unrefined coconut oil (melted and cooled)

1/2 teaspoon chia seeds

2 tablespoons water

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon orange rind (grated)

1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

1 1/2 cup oat flour

1/2 cup amaranth flour

1/2 cup rice flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

1 teaspoon baking soda

dash of sea salt

about 1/2 cup water

1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped)

1/3 cup crushed walnuts (optional)

Maple Glaze:

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Melt coconut oil in a sauce pan on medium low heat and set aside to cool.
3. Grind chia seeds to a fine powder in a clean coffee or spice grinder and combine them with 2 tablespoons of water in a large mixing bowl.
4. Whisk in cooled liquid coconut oil, maple syrup, grated orange rind and fresh orange juice to mixing bowl. Combine well.
5. Combine flours, spices, baking soda and salt in a small bowl and add them to the wet ingredients. Stir well.
6. Stir in enough water (about 1/2 cup) to reach the consistency of a loose batter.
7. Stir in walnuts and cranberries.
8. Oil the pan(s) and then pour in the batter leaving room for some rise.
9. Mix up the maple glaze and spoon it onto the top of the batter.
10. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes for a loaf or 25 minutes for muffins. Test with a knife or toothpick – it will come out clean when the bread is done.