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#### Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Add the Wet Ingredients:**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the eggnog. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
5. **Fold in Nuts (Optional):**
– If you’re using nuts, fold them into the batter at this stage for an added crunch.
6. **Bake the Bread:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
– Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
7. **Cool the Bread:**
– Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. **Make the Glaze (Optional):**
– While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread and sprinkle with ground nutmeg for a festive touch.
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#### Tips for Success
– **Moisture boost:** If you like a richer, more moist bread, you can substitute half of the butter with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
– **Eggnog flavor:** For a stronger eggnog flavor, add a splash of rum extract or increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg in the recipe.
– **Storage:** This bread stays fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container, or it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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#### Why You’ll Love It
This **Christmas Eggnog Bread** is a holiday showstopper with its cozy flavors, deliciously soft crumb, and festive aroma. It’s the perfect way to infuse your home with the comforting taste of eggnog while enjoying a simple, easy-to-make treat. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven, toasted with a bit of butter, or served with a cup of hot cocoa, this bread brings the spirit of Christmas to your kitchen in the most delightful way.
Bake it for your next holiday gathering or gift it to a loved one, and let the magic of the season shine through in every slice!
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