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I’ve given you some recipes for homemade gifts for gift giving and today it’s about quick breads from your kitchen. Banana bread seems to be the most popular bread but today we’re going to let “Chiquita” take care of the bananas and we’ll make other kinds of bread.

Breads make wonderful gifts for people in any age bracket, especially the elderly who cannot or do not do much baking. Rather than giving a whole uncut loaf, slice all of the bread and wrap two or four slices (each packaged in colorful plastic wrap) to be put in their fridge or freezer so the bread doesn’t get stale or moldy. They can have a fresh slice anytime.

If you’re not sure if the person can eat nuts because of allergies, select a variety of bread that doesn’t have nuts or leave them out. Breads with fruits as part of the ingredients are especially good as the breads are more moist.

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So, let’s get busy –– it’s not too late. We’ll start with . . .

PINEAPPLE DATE BREAD

1 beaten egg

1/3 c. milk

1/3 c. canola or vegetable oil

1-8 oz. can (1 c.) crushed pineapple, undrained

1 c. chopped dates (or buy ready-cut dates)

1 c. chopped walnuts

3 c. flour

3/4 c. sugar

1 T. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

3/4 t. salt

1/4 t. baking soda

In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, mixing well; add to first mixture and stir just until moistened.

Turn into greased and floured 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Don’t use pan spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Makes one loaf or about 15 3/4-inch slices.

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And, a colorful bread for Christmas.

CHERRY ALMOND BREAD

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened (not a spread)

2 eggs

1 t. almond flavoring

2 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 c. buttermilk

1 c. chopped almonds (use slivered almonds to chop)

1 - 6 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained well (on paper towels), chopped

In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar till fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in almond flavoring. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in almonds and cherries.

Turn into greased and floured 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Don’t use pan spray. Bake at 350 degrees, 65-70 minutes or until loaf tests done. Makes one loaf or about 15 3/4-inch slices.

No buttermilk? Put 1 T. vinegar in one cup measure. Add milk to make one cup. Let sit 5 minutes before using.

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And, another date bread recipe.

HONEY DATE BREAD

1/2 lb. (1-1/2 c.) dates, chopped (or buy ready-cut dates)

1 c. boiling water

2 T. butter or margarine

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. honey

3 c. flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. cinnamon

1 beaten egg

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Combine first five ingredients; let cool completely. Combine dry ingredients; set aside.

Add egg to cooled date mixture; stir into dry ingredients. Stir in nuts. Bake in well-greased and floured 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. No pan spray. Bake at 350 degrees, 55-65 minutes or until loaf tests done. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Makes one loaf or about 15 slices.

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There’s some “good for us” fiber in this tender and moist bread.

WHOLE WHEAT NUT BREAD

1 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/4 t. ground allspice

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1/4 c. butter or margarine

3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

2/3 c. milk

1/2 t. vanilla

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

In a medium bowl, combine first six ingredients; mix well. Stir in whole wheat flour; set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla to creamed mixture; beat smooth after each addition. Stir in nuts.

Turn into greased and floured 8-1/2x4-1/2 inch loaf pan. No pan spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minute or until it tests done. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan onto wire rack.

Can use a 9x5 pan but bread won’t be as high. Decrease baking time about 5 minutes.

NOTE: All of these breads are baked at the same temperature so why not bake two or three different varieties. I do this setting out the ingredients for each kind and then put them in the oven according to which one bakes in the longest time period.

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Thought for today: May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, happiness, joy and love now and throughout the new year. Christos Razdaetsja (Christ is born), Slavite Jeho (praise him).

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