bakekrazy

Here in Michigan it’s cold, cloudy, and raining…another great day for baking. Here is a quick bread recipe that you can make for the family or wrap it up and give it as a gift. I personally love nuts in just about anything but this recipe can be made without them, if you prefer.

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped dried dates (pitted)
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
1 egg (lightly whipped)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Streusel Topping
1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees and spray four 3″ x 5″ disposable foil mini bread pans with vegetable spray.
In a stand mixing bowl fitted with a paddle, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and mix to incorporate. In a microwave safe bowl add the water, orange juice and orange zest. Microwave for three to five minutes until it comes to a boil. Stir in the butter and dates and then allow to cool for 15 minutes. Now mix in the egg and syrup into the date mixture. At a low speed, add the date mixture to the flour mixture until just incorporated. Divide the batter into the 4 pans equally. To make the topping mix all ingredients into a medium bowl. Using a pastry cutter, grind until a crumb consistency is achieved. Top each loaf with the streusel mixture. (if you have extra you can place it into an airtight container for later use). Place the loaf pans onto a baking sheet pan and into the center rack of your oven. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes (toothpick needs to come out cleanly when finished). Allow to cool on a cooling rack.

Enjoy
Chef Brian Klauss