Apple Bread

I've had some apples at the back of the fridge for several weeks now.  I had been meaning to do something with them, but never got around to doing it.  First, I thought jam, then I thought applesauce, or apple turnovers.  But finally, I decided to make apple bread.  This is the first time I've made apple bread.

I used the recipe in my Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book (copyright 2006; 14th edition).  It is the same recipe as the zucchini bread.  The apple bread is given as a variation, substituting 1 1/2 cups of apples for 1 cup of zucchini.  The recipe, as given in the cook book, is for 1 loaf, using 1 1/2 cups shredded apples.  I went ahead and doubled it, because I had 4 large apples I needed to use up.

First, I peeled and grated my apples.  Then I measured the amount to see how much I had and it was 3 1/2 cups. I only needed 3 cups to double the recipe, but I didn't want to waste the other 1/2 cup, so I just added that, as well:

 

Peeled and Grated Apples

Then, I added the juice of half a lemon to the grated apples and covered the bowl because I had to take Dancer cat to the vet for his check up and vaccinations!  I knew the apples would oxidize and turn dark and I didn't really mind.  But the lemon juice was to minimize the darkening.  I only added the juice of half a lemon because I didn't want too much acidity in the fruit in case it messed up the recipe.

Later, after I came home, I measured out the rest of the ingredients.  What I am listing below is the doubled recipe, for 2 loaves:
 
3 cups flour
2  tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt (I used a little less; approx. 1/2 tsp.)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices

2 eggs (recipe says beaten, but I just add and beat everything together, later)
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup oil

Sugar, oil, eggs

Mix the flour and spices, etc. until combined:

Flour Mixture

Beat together the eggs, oil, and sugar:

Eggs, Oil, and Sugar Mixture

Then, add the grated apples to the egg/oil/sugar mixture; I took a picture of the apples to show how they've turned brown while keeping:

Apples Prior to Being Added to Eggs/Sugar/Oil Mixture

 Mix well together:

Apples Stirred into Egg/Sugar/Oil Mixture

Then, add the apple mixture into the flour mixture:

Apple Mixture Added to Flour Mixture

And stir until just combined; according to the recipe, the batter should be lumpy:

Combined Batter

Cashews

The zucchini bread recipe called for 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted.  I didn't have any walnuts and I didn't want to open the large bag of pecans I had in the freezer (bought for daughter to make spiced pecans to give as holiday gifts).  Instead, I took a handful of raw cashews and chopped them and added them to the batter (I didn't toast them first).  The batter was divided between two loaf pans, which have been greased:

Batter Ready to be Baked

Bake in a pre-heated 350F oven for 50-55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  I use a small bamboo skewer to test my loaves for done-ness.  If you look closely, I think you can see where I stuck the skewer!

Fresh Out of the Oven

These loaves took 1 hr. 15 mins. to bake, as I kind of over-filled the pans.  I let them cool in the pans for 15 minutes and then, took them out:

Still Cooling

All that was left was to slice one and taste-test it!  I sliced one loaf while it was still warm and it was moist and nicely spiced.  I liked the taste.  I will keep the other bread in the freezer until daughter comes home to try it.

Apple Bread Slices: The White Specks are Cashew Pieces

I can definitely see myself making this recipe, again.  It would make some nice holiday gifts, as well, I think, closer to Christmas.

Have you made apple bread?  Is it something you might make?  

*************

Oh, and, as usual, Dancer hated going to the vet!  He very LOUDLY complained about it, all the way to the vet clinic and back and while in the waiting room.  He also did his usual "Don't want to get into the carrier at home/Don't want to come out of the carrier at the vet's" song-and-dance number!  It took three of us: the vet, her assistant, and me, to get him out of the carrier!  But he was very good during the examination.  He's in good health and weighs 16 1/2 lbs.!  I think we need to rename him "Big Boy" and ease up on the tuna treats!  LOL. 

Today, I am grateful for:

- Having the day off from work
- Dancer's clean bill of health
- It being cool enough to bake during the day
- Apple bread: another treat I was able to make using ingredients I have on hand
- A working dish washer!