A SLICE OF HEAVEN

I have often tried recipes in the magazines in the local newspapers, Parade and Dash with very good results. I tore this recipe for Spiced Apple-Cinnamon Bread from a September Dash magazine. Since they pictured Mott's applesauce, I guess it was an advertisement. It was interesting titled "Slice of Heaven".

I did make a couple of changes to add my personal touch but still produced a "delightfully moist quick bread". I made two mini loaves so that I could freeze one while we enjoyed the other one.

SPICED APPLE-CINNAMON BREAD

1       cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2   cup brown sugar blend or 1 cup brown sugar
4      tablespoons margarine, melted (1/2 stick)
2      large eggs
1       teaspoon vanilla
1       cup all-purpose flour
1       teaspoon baking soda
1/2   teaspoon baking powder
2      teaspoons cinnamon
1/2   teaspoon nutmeg
1/2   teaspoon salt
1       cup chopped peeled apple
1/2   cup dried cranberries
a spoonful of flour
1       tablespoon brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two mini loaf pans or one 8 - 1/2 x 5 - inch loaf pan. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of the brown sugar in the bottom of each mini loaf pan or the whole tablespoon in the larger pan.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, margarine, eggs, and vanilla til smooth.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture.

In a small bowl, dust the dried cranberries with a little flour to coat.

Fold in the chopped apples and dried cranberries.

Pour batter into prepared pan(s).

Bake 45 minutes for the two mini loaves or about 1 hour and 15 minutes for the larger loaf. (Since I didn't make the larger loaf, this is what the recipe said. I would check it at an hour.)

Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the middle of the loaf.  If the bread is done, the toothpick will be clean. Cool on wire rack for 30 minutes.

Remove from pan and continue cooling.  Because of the brown sugar in the bottom of the pan, be prepared to hit the bottom of the pan with your hand to loosen it. That is what I had to do.  It came out clean just took a little effort.