Okay so these were supposed to be 'Cranberry-Walnut Pumpkin Loaves' but I didn't have walnuts and I had pecans. And I figured they were close enough (sounds like something I would do). When I heard the name of this recipe, I was expecting quick bread and we had just made a pumpkin loaf for Bake 52 so I was interested to see the difference in the recipes. This bread is SO not a "quick-bread" (It took 2 days to make) and it's yeasted, so basically, the difference is astronomical.
I have only tried working with yeasted pumpkin bread once before and that was last Fall. After quite a few tries at pumpkin bagels, I kind of gave up. There was something about the taste that wasn't right. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it was there. I feel the same way about this bread. I am getting that same taste in this bread that I disliked last Fall. It's not right when you bite into it but not totally an after-taste either, there's something there in the middle, that doesn't sit well with me. I think for me, the fruit and nuts were crucial to this bread because they masked the flavor that I speak of. As long as I had a bite with nuts and cranberries or raisins, I was a happy camper. Maybe in general, yeasted pumpkin breads just need more sugar and the fruit supplies some sugar? Who knows.
This recipe has re-awakened my desire to make it work how I would want it. So this might be a great starting point for me. And even if it wasn't a keeper, I feel like I learn something new with each recipe that I make.
Oh, and the recipe called for 3 mini loaf pans, but I used 4 pans and I am not sure how 3 would work. I even measured to make sure I was using the right size pan.
If you'd like to try the recipe, you can visit the blog of our host for the week:
If you'd like to see what the other TWD did this week you can go HERE.
Pumpkin and yeasted products can be tricky. I have a pumpkin dinner roll recipe that has eluded me for a while...
ReplyDeleteLovely bread :-)
Mine's finishing it's last rise. I was totally expecting a quickbread too! Sorry it didn't turn out as well as you would have liked.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I felt the same, pretty bland in the bites without the addins!
ReplyDeleteWe did like them but I like most anything. It's good to learn things about yourself--no point in spending time on something you know you won't like. That's why I leave raisin filled cookies alone and licorice and sour candy etc.
ReplyDeleteThe second picture with the butter looks more than yummy! Maybe more pumpkin spices would help with the pumpkin flavor? I agree, it is so cool that we learn even small things that make us better bakers.
ReplyDeleteThis wasn't a big hit for me either. I wish it had more of a pumpkin flavor. I'll stick with the pumpkin quick bread that I love. Your pictures sure make the bread look tasty!
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