Whiskey-Soaked Cherry Chocolate Bread

Who here is a Valentine’s Day lover? Admittedly I’m not; it’s not that I think it’s cheesy or weird or had a bad experience. I just think it’s worth it to celebrate the ones we love every day! How’s that for cheesy? 🙂

 

A good Galentine’s Day though? Let’s just say y’all should get excited about this year’s party!

 

All of that being said though? This bread is kind of perfect for Valentine’s Day, especially when you’re pregnant and have unusual cravings for just about any form of alcohol. Don’t worry, I’m not partaking, but I’ve definitely had my share of sniffing my husband’s glass of wine this time around. If this pregnancy is anything like last time, I won’t have any desire for a drop of wine before the baby turns 6 months old, but right now? I just wish there was a good non-alcoholic margarita. True story.

 

I say go ahead and grab those cherries and whiskey tonight so that you can soak ’em overnight and have this goodness baking tomorrow morning just in time for brunch. And always, always share with the ones you love!

WHISKEY-SOAKED CHERRY CHOCOLATE BREAD

Makes one 9- x 5-inch loaf

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (coconut oil works well too)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 3 tablespoons
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2/3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whiskey
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. First combine the dried cherries and whiskey in a shallow bowl so that all of the cherries are soaking in the whiskey. Let them soak for 20 minutes minimum, but a couple hours is preferable to really get the whiskey in there!
2. Preheat oven to 325 and line the bottom of a 9- x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
3. Spray the sides with nonstick spray and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until creamy.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth and creamy.
6. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt and gently fold into the wet ingredients until just barely mixed.
7. Drain the cherries, reserving the liquid, and add the cherries and chocolate chips to the batter.
8. Fold in until just mixed; the batter will be fairly thick.
9. Spread the batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan.
10. Bake at 325 for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
11. While the bread is cooling, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of the remaining whiskey in a small saucepan.
12. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
13. Drizzle evenly over the cooling bread and enjoy!