Bread

Banana Bread

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 3/4 cup sifted flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional : chopped walnuts 1/2 to 1 cup

Combine the salt, flour, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl. In another bowl combine the sugar, oil and eggs. Beat vigorously until frothy. Add mashed banana and blend well. Fold in the flour mixture until blended. Add nuts if desired. Pour into a greased and floured pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for one hour or until crust is brown.

Source: Crossfield Family recipe – since I was a little girl and learned how to bake in 4-H Club. Always get rave reviews when I make this and take to work, community events.  I add about a 1 cup of chopped walnuts as an option.  Usually, make several loaves at one time and freeze them to enjoy later.

Cranberry Pumpkin Bread – from the Oceanspray bag

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Grease and flour an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.

Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Combine remaining ingredients, except cranberries, in a separate mixing bowl. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until dry ingredients are moist. Stir in cranberries.

Spread evenly in a loaf pan. Bake 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Makes one loaf.
Photo credit: www.oceanspray.com

Cranberry Fruit Nut Bread – makes three loaves  – one loaf measurements in parenthsis

6 cups all purpose sifted flour (2 cups)
3 cups sugar (1 cup)
4 1/2 teaspoons double acting baking powder (1 1/2 tsp)
3 teaspoons salt (1 tsp)
3/4 cup shortening (1/4 cup)
2 1/4 cup orange juice ( 3/4 cup)
3 tablespoons grated orange rind ( 1 tbl)
3 eggs, well beaten (1 egg)
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (1/2)
6 cups of fresh cranberries, chopped or cut in half (2 cups)

Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Combine orange juice and grated rind with well beaten egg. Pour all at once into dry ingredients, mixing just enough to dampen. Carefully fold in chopped nuts and cranberries. Spoon into greased loaf pan (9x5x3). Spread corners and sides slightly higher than center. Bake in a moderate oven 350degrees F about one hour…. until crust is golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from pan while still warm. Cool on rack. Store overnight for easier slicing.

Makes three loaves.

Source: Crossfield Collection – modified from recipe shared by Nutrition Aid from Hartwick, Otesgo County – Suzie
Photo credit: Ocean Spray

Excellent bread – often a request for Thanksgiving and Christmas Time.  Often make into small individual loaves for gift giving.

1