Holiday Cherry-nut bread (Holiday menus for the family)

 

1 loaf (about 20 slices)

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup shortening
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup chopped drained maraschino cherries
• 1 cup chopped nuts

1. Heat oven to 350F ; grease bottom only of loaf pan, 9 x 5 x 3 inches.
2. Beat all ingredients except cherries and nuts in large bowl on low speed 15 seconds.
3. Beat on medium speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly ; stir in cherries and nuts.
4. Pour into pan ; bake 60 to 65 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Immediately remove from pan ; cool completely on wire rack before slicing.
6. For best result, wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours before slicing.

Cook's tip : 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon white vinegar can be substituted for the buttermilk ; mix and let stand 5 minutes.

BON APPÉTIT