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Saturday, August 18, 2012

Baking Adventure: The Hunger Games - Peeta's Nut and Raisin Bread

With the release of The Hunger Games movie on DVD and Blu-Ray, I couldn't resist posting about Peeta's Nut and Raisin Bread. This was the bread Peeta purposely burnt so he could toss it to Katniss when she was starving and desperate. It was such an iconic scene! The bread served as her lifeline. An eternal debt she could never fully repay.
The Hunger Games - Peeta's Nut and Raisin Bread
I used the Cinnamon Raisin Walnut Bread recipe from the Brown Eyed Baker. (If you haven't heard about the Brown Eyed Baker, you definitely need to check her out! She makes some of the most decadent treats I've ever seen.) The recipe makes 2 loaves so I created one rustic loaf and another loaf baked in a bread pan with a cinnamon sugar swirl.
Trader Joe's Jumbo Raisin Medley
For the raisins, I used Trader Joe's Jumbo Raisin Medley, which had seedless golden light raisins, flame raisins, and jumbo raisins. It added more color and variety.
Trader Joe's Jumbo Raisin Medley
Katniss described the bread as "good hearty bread, filled with raisins and nuts," which is exactly what the recipe gave me.
The Hunger Games - Peeta's Nut and Raisin Bread
For the rustic loaf, I omitted the cinnamon sugar to make it more true to the book since cinnamon sugar was never mentioned. It came out soft and chewy and very lightly sweetened by the raisins.
The Hunger Games - Peeta's Nut and Raisin Bread (Cinnamon Swirl Version)
For the cinnamon swirl version, I followed Pinch My Salt's directions for forming the loaf. (Pinch My Salt is another amazing blog you should check out!) I really liked the sweetness the cinnamon sugar added so I'd use it again the next time I make this bread.

I couldn't bring myself to burn my loaves so instead of being renditions of the bread Katniss received, they're more like the Nut and Raisin Bread sold inside the Mellark Bakery. :P Essentially, they're hearty, delicious, and food for the soul.

If you're interested in more breads from Panem, you can check out my versions of District 4 Bread and District 11 Bread. I also have a recipe for the Lamb Stew with Dried Plums that Katniss loved from the Capitol. All these recipes would make great viewing party foods! Let me know if you get a taste of Panem as you watch The Hunger Games on DVD or Blu-ray at home! Until the next adventure!