We bought our first Christmas tree on Saturday. A full and fragrant Douglas fir. Ryan and I been married for nearly five years, but we haven’t felt the urge to decorate until now. Having a child has changed many things…and we’ve officially added boxes of gold and silver ornaments to our inventory.
As I type, I hear Lucy fussing in her bedroom (she isn’t one for early bedtimes anymore). Ryan goes to tend her, and so I stop what I’m doing for a few seconds to listen to his soft voice soothe our daughter. I look over at our just-lit Christmas tree. We’ve hung ornaments from both our mothers’ homes. A few garlands made from paper are draped over the fir’s branches. As of today, we don’t have any presents under the tree, but I know they’ll start accumulating in the days ahead.
In a few moments, I’ll make a cup of tea and enjoy a slice of this Apple Almond Quickbread. This simple loaf tastes like Christmas to me. Warm and spicy, this dense and sweet bread goes well with a hot drink and freshly decorated tree. And the crisp apples along with the crunchy almonds make for a perfect and beautiful topping.
In the days ahead, I’ll share the traditions we’re beginning this holiday season. I would love to hear what you and your family does to celebrate!
Apple Almond Quickbread
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoons clove
1/4 teaspoons nutmeg
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup applesauce
2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 apple, empire or gala work well, cut into thin slices
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9 x 5 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Grease paper and pan with butter to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat oil, applesauce, eggs, and sugar until well combined, about 2 minutes. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring until just moist. Spread batter into prepared pan. Arrange apple slices down the middle of the pan (the apple only needs to be inserted into the batter about 1/4 inch) and sprinkle sliced almonds on either side.
Bake Apple Almond Quickbread in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack before removing from pan.
