Holiday Baking Recipes: Strawberry Bread & Classic Toffee
The holidays are all about tradition, and nothing says “festive” quite like the scent of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a way to make the season a little sweeter, baking brings people together in the most delicious way. This year, I’m sharing two of my absolute favorite holiday recipes—straight from our team’s family kitchens. One is a classic Grandma Jan Strawberry Bread recipe that’s been passed down for generations, and the other is a buttery, crunchy treat that’s just too irresistible to pass up.
These recipes are more than just food; they’re a way to share love and create memories. They’re perfect for gifting, gathering around the table with family, or just indulging in some sweet moments. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s get baking!
Grandma Jan's Strawberry Bread
Ingredients
- 2, 10z pkg. frozen strawberries (frozen with sugar and juice)
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/4 c. veg oil
- 3 c. flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix undrained strawberries, oil and eggs in blender. Process until smooth.
- In a separate container, combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, sale, cinnamon, and sugar). Slowly wisk them to the into strawberry mixture, reserving 1/2 cup of flour.
- Stir nuts into reserved flour and add that to the mixture. Stir well.
- Pour mixture into 2 well greased lightly floured bread loaf pans.
- Bake at 350 for 60 minutes . Test doneness by inserting toothpick into bread. (Note, bread can be a little moist, but if the toothpick comes out gooey, give it more time.)
Top with butter and serve warm.
Grandma Jan’s Strawberry Bread is a slice of nostalgia in every bite—perfectly sweet, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and the crunch of pecans. For a delightful pairing, I recommend a glass of La Crema Monterey Chardonnay. Its crisp acidity and notes of green apple and citrus balance the richness of the bread while complementing the fruity sweetness of the strawberries. It’s the perfect way to elevate this cozy treat.
Classic Toffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Sea Salt
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, sugar and water. Cook over medium-low heat and stir stir stir until it reaches hard-crack stage (300°). This will take about 15 minutes.
- Pour toffee onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Let set for a minute. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm toffee. Allow the chips to soften, then use an offset spatula (or the back of a large spoon) to spread the chocolate into an even layer. Sprinkle nuts over the chocolate. Add a dusting of sea salt.
- Allow the toffee to cool completely. Break into pieces. Store in a hard-to-open container on a high shelf so you can’t mindlessly eat it all in a single sitting. Or, package and give away immediately. Don’t even bother trying some toffee with your morning coffee; we already tested that and it’s a terrible combination.
Finish toffee with a sprinkling of sea salt.
This rich, buttery toffee with a touch of sea salt is a decadent treat that pairs wonderfully with the smooth complexity of La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The wine’s silky texture and red berry flavors contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the toffee, while its subtle earthiness enhances the toasted pecans. It’s the kind of pairing that makes each bite and sip feel like a special indulgence.
Toast to the Holidays with La Crema
There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays—it’s more than just about the treats; it’s about creating memories, sharing traditions, and filling your home with warmth. Whether you’re indulging in Grandma Jan’s Strawberry Bread or nibbling on homemade toffee, these recipes are sure to become new favorites at your holiday table. And with a perfectly paired glass of La Crema wine, every bite feels even more special. If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift, La Crema wine gift sets make a thoughtful choice that’s sure to impress. So, gather your loved ones, bake up these holiday treats, and toast to the season of togetherness. Cheers to a sweet, memorable holiday!
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