Nut Bread

This nut bread is the perfect holiday gift. Its uncomplicated, simple goodness will be appreciated by both the giver and recipient. With a soft crumb and dense interior that yields to the crunch of toasted nuts, this slightly sweet loaf is sure to be happily gobbled up for snack, breakfast, or any holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 T. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1 egg, beaten

1 cup milk

1/4 cup cooking oil

3/4 cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts, toasted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and grease the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of an 8x4 or 9x5 loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine all of the the dry ingredients and stir. In a smaller bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients and stir well. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in all of the wet ingredients at once. Fold in the nuts. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes for the 8x5 pan or 40-45 minutes for the 9x5 pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack, then wrap tightly and store at room temperature overnight before serving.