Blueberry Poppy Seed Loaf with Jammin' Berry Jam
This moist, tender loaf is dotted with poppy seeds and fresh blueberries, carrying a delicate hint of almond and vanilla. Bake it until golden, then slice and serve alongside a quick, homemade blackberry-blueberry jam infused with fresh mint and lime. It is a bright, summery treat that is perfect for afternoon tea or morning gatherings.
Ingredients
Blueberry Poppy Seed Loaf
- 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Jammin' Berry Jam
Instructions
Blueberry Poppy Seed Loaf
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Coat a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with vegetable oil spray.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt in a bowl. Use an electric mixer to combine the milk, canola oil and sugar.
- Add the eggs one at a time.
- Stir in almond and vanilla extracts.
- Mix in the flour.
- Stir in the poppy seeds and blueberries until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
- Bake until the loaf is golden on the top and a tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 1 hour.
- Cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
- Remove the loaf from the pan and cool completely.
Jammin' Berry Jam
- Place the berries, sugar, lime zest and juice into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook until the berries are mushy, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the mint and cook until the berries break down completely, about 5 minutes more.
- Pour the jam into a bowl and cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container.
Jellies and jams prepared for long term storage require a gelatin agent, or ingredient called pectin.
The "jam" in this recipe is really a reduction of fresh fruit, not the jam you pour into a Mason jar, and stash in the back of a pantry shelf. If you want a primer on canning and making jelly there are many online tutorials to choose from! This jam, stored in an airtight container in the fridge, lasts for several days.
The Heart of the Table
This beautiful bread, accompanied by the deep purple of the fresh berry jam, adds a splash of color and cheer to the table. The fresh, fruity aromas make guests feel energized and welcomed, turning a simple slice of bread into a sunny afternoon treat.
The Art of the Host
- oatmeal-toned washed linen napkins
- a 9x5-inch loaf pan
- an electric stand mixer or hand mixer
- a wire cooling rack
- a small jam jar with a serving spoon
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: Place the whole loaf on a rectangular marble serving board, pre-slicing the first few pieces and spooning the vibrant jam into a clear glass bowl with a silver spoon.
- THE POUR: Pair with a cup of chilled hibiscus mint tea or a dry, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc.
- THE VIBE: Bright Sunroom. The space is filled with summer flowers, light laughter, and the refreshing breeze of a warm afternoon.