Chocolate Chunk Mandel Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 1/3 cup apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in almonds and chocolate chunks.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. In a small saucepan, heat together apricot jam and water over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
7. When cake is finished baking, brush the top with apricot glaze. Allow cake to cool before removing from pan.
8. In a small bowl, mix together confectioners' sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Interesting Facts

• Mandel bread is a traditional Jewish cake-like bread.
• Chocolate chunks add a delicious sweetness to the cake.
• Apricot jam and confectioners' sugar create a sweet glaze.