Applesauce Nut Bread…

I love making fruit bread.  I have loaf pans of all sizes from large to tiny ones.  Fruit bread baked in the tiny loaf pans look so pretty at Christmas time wrapped in red or green plastic wrap and tied with ribbon.  This recipe is from Life Services Networks Seasoned Secrets Cook booklet.

• 2 cups applesauce (regular or chunky)
• 3 eggs,
• 1 cup oil
• 1 & 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2/3 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup raisins
• Cut up maraschino cherries (optional)

Beat eggs until light and fluffy.  Add oil, sugar, vanilla and applesauce.  Mix thoroughly.  Sift dry ingredients together and add to applesauce mixture until well blended.  Pour batter into  1 or 2 greased or sprayed loaf pans.  Have oven preheated to 325 degrees.  Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center checks clean.  Watch the time if you are using smaller loaf pans.

Alice Rash

Luther Village

Arlington Heights IL

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2/3 cup canned or cooked pumpkin
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 unbaked deep dish 9 inch pastry shell

Pecan Topping

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup pecan halves

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugars, flour, pie spice and salt until smooth.  Mix in pumpkin.  Gradually mix in milk.  Pour into crust.  Cover edges loosely with foil.  Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 15 minutes longer.  Remove from oven.  Remove foil.  For topping, beat eggs in a mixing bowl until foamy.  Add corn syrup, brown sugar, molasses, flour, vanilla and salt.Pour over filling.  Sprinkle with chopped pecans, cover with pecan halves.Bake uncovered, 30 – 35 minutes or until set.  Cool for 2 hours before serving.