Apple Bread

I was recently looking to make something a little different from banana beard when I came across this recipe for Apple Loaf.  The recipe below is my variation which uses diced apple instead of shredded and adds a bit of cinnamon.  I chose to also make 3 smaller loaves using 3 - 5.75x3in pans instead of a single 9x5in pan.  The results were very good and this will now be in my normal baking rotation.

Printable Recipe

Ingredients 
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup apple, peeled, cored and diced


Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease one 9x5 in. loaf pan or three 5.75 x3 in. loaf pans.

In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nuts (if using).

In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar and 1 egg until smooth. Beat in second egg, and stir in vanilla. Stir in diced apples.

Pour flour mixture into batter; stir just until moistened. Spread into prepared pan(s). Bake for 50 to 60 minutes for single loaf or 30 to 40 minutes for mini loaves, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes, then remove from pan. Place on a rack to cool.

Super Simple Fresh Strawberry Pie

Since I was a child, I have always loved fresh strawberry pie.  My grandmother used to make one when I visited and it quickly became one of my favorite desserts.  This is a super simple recipe which uses fresh strawberries and makes a great pie.  It is definitely best served the day you make it, so I wouldn't recommend making it a day or two ahead of when you intend to serve it.

Printable Recipe

Ingredients 
6 cups fresh whole strawberries, hulled, divided
1 cup sugar
3 TBSP. cornstarch
¾ cup water
Few drops red food coloring, optional 
1 store-bought pie crust (9"), baked and slightly cooled
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions
Mash 1 cup strawberries; set aside.  In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in water and mashed berries. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in food coloring if desired. Cook and stir 3 minutes more. Cool for 10 minutes. 

Spread about 1/3 cup glaze over bottom and sides of pie shell. Halve remaining strawberries; arrange in shell. Spoon remaining glaze over berries. Chill for 1-2 hours.

Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream. Pie is best served the day it's made.