A Baking Gift Idea: Stawberry Nut Bread

I have been making this recipe for Strawberry Nut Bread for over 30 years.  I like to make it for special gifts, so this past weekend, I made loaves to give to my service providers…nai technician, dry cleaners, etc.   It is a delicious, sweet cake…which tastes even better with strawberry cream cheese on top…or buttered warm out of the microwave…and a nice break from pumpkin and banana bread.

First the list of ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cups of sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 tsp lemon extract

4 eggs

3 cups sifted flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup strawberry jam

1/2 cup dairy sour cream

1 cup broken walnuts

First, I roast the walnuts for 7 min in a preheated over at 350 degrees.  I use the food processor to break them up later.Next, sift the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and baking soda together.  Then in another bowl, mix the sour cream and strawberry jam together with a spoon.  Set both aside.Ok, here is how to get to this point.  Cream the butter, sugar, vanilla, lemon extract until fluffy.  Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Mix in the the flour mixture and the jam mixture, alternately, a little at a time until beaten well.  Then add in the broken walnuts.WATCH OUT!  The dough tastes really really good!  This will make five small loaves…or three larger ones.  And it should cook for 50 minutes at 350…do not overcook…not good dry.I wrap it up pretty…I think this year with twine and cinnamon sticks on top!  Of course, one loaf stayed home and was gone within hours…

Now, it is the 11th Day until Christmas, so

11. I Love Christmastime because I love cooking and baking (no surprise right?)By Christmas Eve, that cookie platter will be full of cookies and gingerbread men.  I have already picked out the cookies for this year, and will begin baking on Friday before.

What are your favorite recipes during the holidays!

KEEP SMILING!

4 Comments

  1. That bread looks wonderful!! Anything with strawberries, really! Such a nice idea for gifts! I’m with you, I’m always eating batter and raw cookie dough! You have to test it, right?! I’ll bet they were so pretty with the twine and cinnamon sticks all wrapped up! Love this idea and who wouldn’t be happy to receive this!? Homemade treats are always winners because a lot of people don’t have time to bake or don’t enjoy baking. Like you, I am also one who loves to cook and bake, it’s how I relax after spending my day in an office. Love to create things in the kitchen! For Christmas we are really traditional. I add in new varieties every year for fun, but our favorites are from my grandmother’s and my mom’s recipes. I make the dough in October and freeze it, except for the varieties that just can’t be frozen. This weekend is going to be baking weekend. The dough will be thawed Friday night, and Saturday morning I’ll be up shaping and baking the cookies. Since it is so cold here, they last for weeks in tins on my (enclosed) front porch. And I sure do eat them too! I make at least 12 different kinds because all the kids have favorites (more than one favorite!) That said, I do send lots of cookies home with them. Lots!! Your posts are getting me more in the mood for Christmas!

  2. You just gave me some ideas, Karen…especially the freezing dough part. I am inspired to do some work ahead. Thanks

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