Glazed Cranberry-Lemon Crystallized Ginger Loaf is great as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack with a warm beverage.
My sister's big day is almost here. My nails are all pretty, the dresses are hanging, and the rehearsal dinner awaits us tonight. I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer up as her maid of honor. But, I'm the baby sister, this is my first time being a maid of honor annnd simply, I'm not married.
But the things I would like to say are:
Don't sweat the small stuff. It's not worth it and it's crazy to go to bed angry at one another over something that doesn't matter.
"You're right" isn't one sided. Sometimes you just are, smile and nod. Eventually, he'll figure it out and you'll be satisfied then.
Don't worry about money. You can't buy happiness and there will never be enough. So, don't even bother worrying about it. Find the joy in the things that will never cost you a penny. Those nights on the sofa, the debates over which leftovers are for supper, and who has the joy of stringing the lights on the tree; those are the moments that matter. No extravagant vacation, no appliance, no shiny new appliance will ever be worth the stress or cash that you won't remember when it's time to count your blessings.
No matter how long you ignore that pile of dishes, you won't win. Just break down and do them. He doesn't even realize they are there. Even when your out of forks, only one will be washed at the time that's its needed and the just end up back in the pile. Trust me.
Not everything you do has to be together. Find joy in his hobbies, and let him be curious about yours. I know food blogging isn't that interesting to non bloggers and I learned to not share every moment with everyone else. Just like every piece of wood isn't that exciting to me, but I care and am interested when I am hearing about it or learning something new.
That's really all I got for now. You've had months to listen to advice and you will have years to figure it all out how to work it for the two of you. So, enjoy your day. Remember its for you and no one else. So have fun, enjoy the party and congratulations and best wishes for your happy future.
Glazed Cranberry-Lemon Crystallized Ginger Loaf
From Cookin' Canuck
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teas baking powder
- ½ teas salt
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbs grated lemon zest
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, picked over
- ¼ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger (you may want to coat your knife with cooking spray when chopping to reduce sticking)
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered (confectioner's) sugar
- 4 ½ teas fresh lemon juice
- ½ teas grated lemon zest
- Pinch salt
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 8 ½- by 4 ½-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper and grease the paper. (I used two smaller paper loaf pans).
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl, using a hand mixer) set on a medium speed, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest and eggs, one at a time, beating to combine after each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Set the speed on the mixer to low and in three additions, add the flour mixture and milk. Beat until just combined. (Don't over mix!) With a spatula, fold in the cranberries and ginger.
Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes then cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, make the glaze by whisking all glaze ingredients in a bowl to combine and dissolve and sugar clumps.
I think this Glazed Cranberry-Lemon Crystallized Ginger Loaf would be perfect with a hot beverage like tea or latte.
Erin says
Sounds like a great speech to me! Have fun tonight and tomorrow! As for this loaf, can you believe I have never used crystallized ginger? I need to work on that cause it sounds great in this.
Belinda @zomppa says
So exciting!! Congratulations to your sis - you're the best maid of honor! Love this loaf - the zing and the tart!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
First of all Holy Yum! I want this bread. Second- yay for your sister!!!!! Third- everything you said is spot on! I would just add laugh every day. When you stop laughing with your best that's just sad. ;D
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Mmm such a tasty sounding loaf!
Julie @ Table for Two says
What a great post for your sister 🙂 she must be so lucky to have you. Very sweet! As for the bread -- I want some! It sounds and looks delicious!
Tya@note etc. says
conrats for your sist!.. your food always looks incredible 🙂
cheers
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
After ten years of marriage, I have to say that this: "No matter how long you ignore that pile of dishes, you won’t win," is the best piece of advice you could ever give any woman. It's true; they don't even realize that it's there.
Your loaf is amazing. You're lucky I wasn't around when you did that photo shoot or I'd have grabbed a loaf and that packet of crystallized ginger and been out the door before you could have said boo.
Kiri W. says
This is such a beautiful post 🙂 I can't believe I've been married for 2 years now, and I am sure your sister will find time flying by as well.
Wonderful looking loaf, I adore crystallized ginger 🙂
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
I'll take 7... loaves that is! I love this recipe Kita!
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
Oh my gosh!! I can't believe it's almost here! Seems like just yesterday when we were texting about it 🙂 HOW EXCITING!! and how exciting is this bread. Would it be bad if I ate the whole loaf at once? Becuase that's all I want to do with this
Kristen says
So exciting for your sister~ and for you, too, as maid-of-honor! I am totally loving that loaf. What a great flavor combination.
Jessica | Oh Cake says
That loaf looks awesome. I am a big fan of quickbreads. Yumminess!
Here's what I can say about marriage and is one of the biggest reasons I still adore my husband: Always speak to each other and treat each other with respect. You can replace anything but trust.
But - when in doubt, bake. No one can be angry when the aroma of their favorite brownies, pie, or quickbread is wafting through the house. 🙂
Mi Vida en un Dulce says
You found the perfect words for your sister. Marriage is for two, and we have to learn how to live as two in one, and with love everything is possible.
Emily @ Life on Food says
Amazing bread. I don't really like ginger but these pictures make me want a slice NOW! Great advice! I just got married and am still learning.
kimberly (unrivaledkitch) says
such sweet words! Congrats to your sister and new brother in law. My sisters anniversary is today shes been married 4 years! Her wedding was so beautiful, I'm sure your sisters will be as well. Beautiful cakes and have an amazing time at the wedding.
Janet@FCTC says
Wonderful advice to your sister. Sounds like when YOU finally do get married, you'll be a few steps ahead in the game. 🙂
The bread looks absolutely delicious also. I love anything that uses crystallized ginger.
Rochelle (@Acquired Life) says
Beautiful words of advice. I particularly identify with the one about the dishes.... it' hard to let that one go. Also what a gorgeous loaf of bread, I wish I could find some cranberries here in Portugal.
Eliot says
OK, baby-sis, you are mighty wise. Hope your sister knows how lucky she is having you by her side on the big day!
Roxana GreenGirl {A little bit of everything} says
Congratulations to your sister! The speech is probably the best advice one can give. Everything is so true.
The bread looks great. I love the combination between cranberry and spicy sweet crystallized ginger.
Diane says
She really is lucky to have you! You have been a very good sister!!!
Kim Bee says
Kita that is all such amazing advice. You did wonderfully and your sister is lucky to have you and you her. Hope the wedding was wonderful. This loaf is really pretty. I love the combination of tastes here.
Stephanie says
Congrats to your sister on her big day! I'm going to be the matron-of-honor for the first time next weekend. I still need to write my toast! Eeeekkk!
Liz says
Fabulous bread...I love the idea of cranberries and ginger!!! That last photo is stunning.... My best wishes to your sister and her new husband! You gave such sound advice~
Maggie @ Vittles and Bits says
Well I am married and I will say that is some excellent advice right there 🙂 This bread looks delicious too, I love the combination of flavors!
Tes says
Wow congrats on your sister's big day 🙂 The loaf looks so gorgeous! What a beautiful post 🙂
Sara {Home is Where the Cookies Are} says
This bread looks so intriguing. I happen to have cranberries that I need to use up, and I also have crystallized ginger hanging around waiting for a purpose. Looks like an excellent way to do both!
Thanks for the comment over at Home is Where the Cookies Are!
Ann says
I'm sure your sister's day will be wonderful....and the bread is delicious!
MikeW says
Thanks! I have some cranberries and was thinking about making cranberry bread, but my recipe is in Alabama, while I'm in Ohio.
But now I need more ingredients, and it is snowing! Over 4" and the Cincinnati area just isn't prepared for snow.
June says
Sounds like a great recipe. Can I use fresh rhubarb instead of the cranberry and if so, how much would you suggest I use. Thank you very much.
Kita says
I am not sure June, I have never tried it with rhubarb - but I would give it a shot! Just use as much diced as in replace of the cranberry. Equal substitution amount.
Leanne says
Really really good. Lots of bright flavor. I added ginger powder to the bread and a little extra candied ginger. And I still think it could use a little more.