Winter brings the end of the seasons. During winter, the cold and darkness drive us in to seek warmth. It is a time to rest, meditate and store physical energy. Winter is the season of the Bladder and Kidneys in Traditional Chinese Medicine. To harmonize with this season we become more receptive and introspective. We cool the surface of the body while warming the core. The following recipe offers the comfort and warmth of baking your own bread during the cold months. The cranberries nourish the yin (passive, quiet, moistening nature) of the body and benefit the bladder and kidneys. The squash helps to drain dampness and tonify the center. The cooking method and spices help to warm the Spleen and the core of the body overall. This recipes is a variation off of one of my mother's favorite recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sucanat or organic sugar
- 1/3 cup butter
- ½ cup pumpkin or squash puree
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 free range eggs
- 1 2/3 cups All purpose organic flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ¾ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- ¼ tsp. baking powder
- 6 oz. Frozen (thawed and drained) or fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- zest of orange to taste
Instructions
Heat oven to 350° F. Grease bottom only of 1 loaf pan, 9x5x3. Mix Sucanat and butter in large bowl. Stir in eggs, pumpkin and water. Mix in flour and other dry ingredients. Add in cranberries. Pour into pan and bake until wooden pick inserted comes out clean, 60-70 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, loosen sides of loaf from pan and remove. Makes 1 loaf.
Contributed by April Crowell
