Almond Joy Bread (adapted from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody)
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
a scant 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
1 Tb melted unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp coconut extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup sweetened coconut
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup dark (or semisweet) chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line and grease a loaf pan, set aside.
Combine the first 6 ingredients into the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat ingredients on medium speed for 2 minutes.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Starting with the flour mixture alternate adding flour, buttermilk, flour, buttermilk and flour…in that order, to the liquid ingredients. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in coconut, chocolate chips and almonds.
Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, until toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with a few crumbs).
Remove from oven and place on rack to cool for a few minutes. Prepare your Coconut Glaze (recipe below) While still warm, poke several holes in the top of the cake with a toothpick and drizzle coconut glaze all over the top. Drizzle and brush to cover the whole top of the cake. When cake is completely cool, drizzle Chocolate Ganache over the top. (I used a plastic bag with a corner snipped, like a pastry bag)
Coconut Glaze
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tb unsalted butter
1/2 tsp coconut extract
Place ingredients into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Allow to boil for about a minute. Turn heat off but leave saucepan on burner to stay warm. You want it a bit thin, so it will soak into the cake.
Chocolate Ganache
4 ounces dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped (if you're using chips, no need to chop)
1/3 cup heavy cream
Place chocolate and cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and melted (you may need to put it back in for another 15 seconds.) You can also heat the cream in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling, pour over chocolate, and stir till melted.