Here's a terrific quick bread for any time of day. If there's any left over, this bread is great when lightly toasted and spread with some cream cheese. For an added tart flavor, substitute cranberries for half the apples.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 loaf

　　1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

　　3/4 cup sugar

　　1 tablespoon baking powder

　　1/2 teaspoon salt

　　2/3 cup orange juice

　　1/3 cup (5 1/3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

　　2 large eggs, lightly beaten

　　1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped golden Delicious apples

　　1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

　　

Step 2

Grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.

　　

Step 3

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, the sugar, the baking powder, and the salt, making a well in the center. Set aside. Stir in the liquid ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently stir in the apples and the pecans. Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into center of loaf comes out with moist crumbs attached. Do not overbake.

　　The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook by Jennifer Appel and Allysa ToreySimon & Schuster