2025 is now a couple of days old. Each year seems to go by faster than the previous year, but that seems to be said by even younger people than just "old" people. It does seem like time is on fast speed to me. I hope 2025 will be a healthy year for me and my husband and we can experience some memorial occasions with family and friends.
Friend Phyllis made this Pumpkin Cranberry Bread for her Sunday school class and dropped a plate off at the Cafe at church back in December. It was so delicious so I made sure I got the recipe from her.
This weekend we are forecasted for some cold temperatures and even some snow so I'm not sure the Cafe will be open Sunday for church, but I decided I would make the quick bread because it would freeze easily if we can't make it to church. Local weather forecasters on television that this area is the most difficult to forecast in the country. I believe them. It always depends on what happens to it just west of us. It can turn south and miss us or turn north and miss us. My husband thinks it's because the Missouri and Kansas Rivers come together and cause splits.
The recipe made 5 mini-loaves and I just may keep one for us to enjoy because I was able to eat one slice when Phyllis dropped it off. It is really good.
PUMPKIN CRANBERRY BREAD
3 cups flour
2-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
2-1/2 teaspoons ginger
2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can of pumpkin
4 eggs
1 cup oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup chopped cranberries
1 cup toasted chopped walnuts (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans or five mini-loaf pans. Set aside.
Combine the dry ingredients by sifting them together into a large bowl. Set aside.
Combine the pumpkin, eggs, oil, and juice in another bowl with a whisk until blended.
Add to the flour mixture and stir until just moistened.
Add the chopped cranberries and nuts if you are using. (I didn't add the nuts.)
Divide between the baking pans.
Bake for 60 to 65 minutes for the large loaves and about 40 minutes for the mini-loaves. Cool in pans for at least 10 minutes before removing.
Remove from the pans and cool completely before slicing.
