Nordic Spice Bread

Nordic Spice Bread, or "kryddbröd" in Swedish, is a delightful and aromatic loaf that originates from the Scandinavian region. This bread is deeply rooted in Nordic culture, where the harsh climate historically encouraged the use of warming spices. The exact origins of Nordic Spice Bread are not entirely clear, but it has been a staple in Nordic households for centuries, particularly during the cold winter months when its flavorful spices bring warmth to the dining table.

Ingredients

• Rye flour - 300g
• All-purpose flour - 200g
• Sugar - 50g
• Brown sugar - 50g
• Baking powder - 10g
• Baking soda - 5g
• Salt - 10g
• Ground cinnamon - 5g
• Ground cardamom - 3g
• Ground cloves - 2g
• Ground nutmeg - 2g
• Unsalted butter, melted - 100g
• Milk - 300ml
• Honey - 50g
• Egg - 1
• Raisins - 100g (optional)
• Chopped walnuts - 50g (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Add the ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients and mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, honey, and egg until well blended.
5. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Gently fold the ingredients together until a thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
6. If using, fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts at this stage.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Use a cooking timer to ensure you do not overbake, as this could make the bread dry.
9. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Enjoy Nordic Spice Bread

Nordic Spice Bread is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, or toasted with a spread of butter and a drizzle of honey for a delicious breakfast treat. The bread's rich, spiced flavors also pair wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, making it a great addition to any cheese platter. For a classic Nordic experience, accompany your slice of spice bread with a cup of coffee or a steaming mug of herbal tea. The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making it an ideal choice for make-ahead meals or snacks.