Almond Studded Chocolate Loaf Recipes

MOIST ALMOND CHOCOLATE LOAF

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, i.e. flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder and soda, and salt.
• In a smaller bowl, combine the wet ingredients. First, lightly beat the egg. Then add the buttermilk, yogurt, melted butter and almond extract, mixing until well combined. When you're done, you have two bowls, one with dry ingredients and the other with the wet ones. (The only ingredients left aside are the chocolate chips/chunks and the slivered almonds.)
• Using a spatula, fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones, with a circular motion from underneath up to the top. Do not overmix; you just want to moisten the dry ingredients. The batter is quite dense.
• Add the chocolate chips and chunks in two batches, folding in the first, then adding the second. They should be dispersed but do not mix vigorously.
• Spoon the batter into the greased pan. Gently even out the top.
• Spread the slivered almonds over the top and gently press them in, just enough so that they don't slide off.
• Bake the loaf for 45 - 55 minutes, until a skewer or toothpick inserted into the loaf comes out clean.
• Cool the loaf in the pan. When the pan is cool enough to handle, gently slip a knife around the edges and tip it over onto a wire rack. Put the loaf right side up and let it cool completely before slicing.

FESTIVE BUTTER ALMOND LOAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F Grease two medium loaf pans.
• In large bowl, mix first six ingredients, and beat on high speed for 5 minutes.
• Fold in flour, baking powder and salt, alternately with the milk.
• Pour into pans, and sprinkle almonds on top of each loaf.
• Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until lightly browned and done.
• When loaves have cooled slightly, loosen edges, and turn out onto wire rack.
• Drizzle glaze over loaves.
• To make glaze, beat powdered sugar, water and extract together in a small bowl until smooth.
• If glaze is too thick, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of water.
• Decorate with cherries.