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As the holidays approach, kitchens everywhere bustle with the preparation of traditional treats. Amidst the familiar recipes of cookies, pies, and roasts, it’s delightful to discover something a bit different – something that combines the nostalgic flavors of the season in an innovative way. Enter: Spiced Rum Eggnog Bread. This bread marries the rich, velvety taste of eggnog with the spirited kick of spiced rum, creating a match made in holiday heaven. But first, let’s delve into the histories of its key components – spiced rum and eggnog – to better understand how such a recipe might have come to be. Lastly we will get to the simple, yet delicious recipe of Spiced Rum Eggnog Bread.
Eggnog’s and Spiced Rum’s Origins
Eggnog, as a drink, has roots that can be traced back to medieval Europe. “Posset,” a warm, milky, ale-like drink was popular during this time. By the time the drink made its way to the American colonies in the 18th century, it was mixed with the readily available alcohol, often rum. The term “nog” is believed to come from “noggin,” a term used to describe a small, wooden cup, or from “egg-and-grog,” a common colonial term for the drink which was eventually shortened to “eggnog.”
Rum production began in the 17th century in the Caribbean. Rum, distilled from sugarcane or molasses, quickly became popular and was traded around the world. Spiced rum involves the infusion of spices and, sometimes, caramel. It’s a variant of traditional rum and has been around for quite a while, with sailors often adding spices to mask the taste of less-than-premium rums or to preserve the drink for longer voyages. Common spices include cinnamon, rosemary, aniseed, and pepper.
The Likely Evolution of Spiced Rum Eggnog Bread
The concept of integrating alcoholic beverages into baked goods isn’t new. Throughout history, many cultures have baked with alcohol, using it to flavor and preserve foods. Think of the rum-soaked fruitcakes of England or the bourbon-infused Kentucky Derby pies of the southern United States. Alcohol in baking has often been a festive addition, especially in holiday or celebratory recipes.
Given the popularity of eggnog and spiced rum, especially during the holiday season, it’s not surprising that creative bakers have combined these flavors into various recipes. As both baking and experimenting with flavors are ever-evolving processes, someone probably decided to infuse the iconic tastes of spiced rum and eggnog into a bread, creating a unique and festive treat. Over time, this idea could have been shared, adapted, and modified, leading to various versions of Spiced Rum Eggnog Bread recipes found today. So, let’s get baking!
Spiced Rum Eggnog Bread Recipe
Tools Needed:
- 9 inch Loaf pan
- Mixing Bowls (Love having the non-slip bottoms on my bowls)
- KitchenAid hand mixer (this is my FAVORITE hand mixer)
- Spatulas
- Wire Rack
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups King Arthur all purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1-2 tsp rum extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp eggnog
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease loaf pan or use parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, blend together eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, eggnog, vanilla and rum extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Ensure everything is just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the streusel topping on top until completely covered. Place in the oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bread sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve slices of the Spiced Rum Eggnog Bread with a warm cup of coffee or cocoa. This bread is especially delightful when shared with friends and family, making it a perfect gift or potluck addition. Spiced Rum Eggnog Bread is a delightful treat that promises warmth, comfort, and a touch of festivity in every bite. Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄🥃🍞