We are finally back home after being away for a little over a month! I was looking forward to getting back and enjoying the end of what is usually a beautiful fall. We delayed our homecoming due to a very unseasonable, freak snow storm that wreaked havoc on our part of the state. This was a very heavy wet snow, and because the trees were still full with leaves, a lot of damage was caused by falling trees and limbs. According to my neighbors, we received about 16 inches of snow and our neighborhood was without power for 3 days. The last few days have been taken up with cleaning out my refrigerator and freezer. I was sure not much would have survived three days without refrigeration, so I had to get rid of just about everything. What a waste! I can't even think of the cost.
Despite everything, my beautiful fall is making an appearance again this week. It inspired me to make this very delicious apple bread. I found the recipe several years ago in a Penzey's catalog. It is the best apple bread I have ever eaten. The bread is full of flavor and apples! I have altered this a bit by adding less sugar and about a 1/4 cup of milk to the batter. Without the addition of the milk the batter seems very thick. I actually made it both ways and I thought it came out better with the added milk. I also checked it after 1 hour in the oven...it was done and did not need the time stated in the recipe. Fall, pumpkins and apples all seem to go together so well. I hope you'll give this a try!
Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour two 8½×4½ loaf pans and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugar and eggs. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing well after each addition.
Fold in the apples, nuts and vanilla. Pour into the loaf pans and bake at 350 for about 1½ hours or until a toothpick inserted in the loaves comes out clean. Turn out of the pan while still slightly warm (wait 20-30 minutes) and let cool.
I am so glad you made it back home safely and that there was no damage from the storm. Your bread looks wonderful, Kathy! I have never had apple bread before! Can't believe that at all, but it's true. I can't wait to try your recipe because I enjoy making quick breads so much. I hope you are having a great weekend.
I'm a sucker for apple bread and the whole wheat flour makes it a much healthier option! So I'll have two slices instead of one :) Welcome home!
That storm was amazing to hear about down here in TX. We'll be on the East Coast next week but are not holding our breath for fall foliage this time around. That apple bread looks fantastic. I love a hearty bread with a touch of fruit in it. Good luck settling back in!
Glad you made it home safe & sound! I've been a FFWD delinquent, but am making the lamb curry tonight. This bread looks wonderful!
Mmmm! I LOVE apple bread! Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Welcome back! What lovely apple bread loaves!
You might be sorry that you didn't stay in Florida. I hope last week's storm isn't a harbinger for the winter to come. I'm sorry to hear that you had to empty your fridge and freezer. How frustrating. However, this apple bread looks like just the thing to bring you back to the fall spirit. Looks delicious!
What a shame to have to throw so much food away, but I guess it could have been worse. The east coast is really getting hammered by mother nature lately, hopefully she will be nicer to you this winter.
Your apple bread looks delicious, thanks so much for sharing the recipe. I just love this time of year and can't seem to get enough of the apples and squash.
I found your recipe on Pinterest and made a double batch. We all LOVED it. It almost tastes like pound cake so the kids were very surprised I was giving them "dessert" for breakfast. I chopped half the apples and shredded half, because I didn't think they'd go for super chunky bread. This freezes really well. Thank you for a wonderful recipe. It's a regular now!