Cinnamon Islands Apple Loaf

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This nutritious quick-bread, submitted by Rod in Dallas, is filled with apples, walnuts, spices and a bit of rum (or strong apple juice), and packs a powerful punch.

by Rod
(Texas, USA)

This flavorful quick bread recipe was first intended to be “cinnamon islands” (shortcake) surrounded by a sea of apple pieces, walnuts, brown sugar and spices. That idea didn’t work well – the islands were tough and refused to disembark from the baking dish.

Soon, a creativity storm blew in and a loaf evolved that still retained the flavors of the original idea. “Islands” now alludes to imaginary South Sea islands where seafaring traders once gathered to exchange merchandise, especially rum and spices.

Cinnamon Islands Apple Loaf

This is a dense apple loaf. The batter might seem too moist, but the oat bran continues to absorb moisture during baking.

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp white sugar
1 2/3 cups yogurt or buttermilk, warmed *
1/3 cup dark rum or strong apple juice
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup coarse oat bran
3 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil
2 large egg whites, whipped

Fruits, Nuts & Spices:

2/3 cup dark raisins, soaked
1 tbsp white sugar
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp allspice
4 cups chopped apples **
3/4 cup walnut pieces
1/2 cup dark brown sugar

Whipped cream and maraschino cherries (optional)

* Dilute non-fat plain yogurt to consistency of buttermilk.

** Select tart, light-red apples according to preference.

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, cover raisins with very hot water; set aside.

2. Lightly coat a cool 3-quart baking dish with cold butter. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

3. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp white sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.

4. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and 1 tbsp white sugar.

5. In a medium bowl, combine warmed yogurt, rum and salt; stir briefly to mix. Add oat bran, stir, then cover and allow oat bran to soak 5 min.

6. In a large, wide bowl, add chopped apples, sprinkle with cinnamon spice blend and stir gently. Add walnuts and brown sugar, then stir gently to combine.

7. Drain raisins; add raisins and melted butter to oat bran mixture; stir to combine.

8. Whip egg whites until foamy, add to oat bran mixture and stir well to combine.

9. Pour oat bran mixture into flour mixture and stir batter just until combined.

10. Pour batter evenly over apple mixture, then fold ingredients just until distributed.

11. Spoon batter into glass baking dish and top with additional walnut pieces if desired. Reduce oven to 375 degrees and bake until light brown on top (about 50-55 min.).

12. Serve loaf warm with whipped cream and maraschino cherries on the side. If desired, blend more cinnamon spices to sprinkle on top of the whipped cream before serving.