Panficato - Italian Christmas Fruit and Nut Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried figs, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) dried figs, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) dates, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins 1/2 cup (75g) raisins
• 1/2 cup (60g) almonds, chopped 1/2 cup (60g) almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup (60g) walnuts, chopped 1/2 cup (60g) walnuts, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 12g (2g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 39g (22g sugars)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and eggs until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. 5.
   Fold in the chopped figs, dates, raisins, almonds, and walnuts.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried Figs — Soak the dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping to soften them and make them easier to incorporate into the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
• Customize the recipe by adding other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
• Toasting the nuts before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Wrap the Panficato in plastic wrap and let it sit for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving advice

Panficato is best enjoyed sliced and served with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It can be served plain or spread with a thin layer of butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgence.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the Panficato with powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint or a few extra chopped nuts.