Quick breads offer the comforting satisfaction of bread without the delayed gratification of a yeast bread. We love this sweet loaf with a cup of locally roasted Lookout Coffee (visit us in store to pick up a bag!) or to wrap in butcher paper and twine and take as a hostess gift at dinner parties.

BLOOD ORANGE SWEET BREAD WITH CINNAMON PEAR GLAZE

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

pinch salt

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup D’Olivo Blood Orange Fused Olive Oil

1/2 cup golden raisins

grated zest of 1 lemon

butter for loaf pan

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

3-4 tablespoons D’Olivo Cinnamon Pear Dark Balsamic Vinegar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Then stir in sugar. Add eggs, milk, and D’Olivo Blood Orange Olive Oil. Beat well.

Toss raisins in a little flour, coating them lightly. Add the raisins and lemon zest to the flour and egg mixture and stir to distribute evenly.

Butter and flour a loaf pan. Transfer the batter into the pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle the top with chopped nuts. Bake for 55 minutes, or until a thin skewer inserted in the center comes out dry. Let cool for a few minutes. Unmold and cool on a rack.

Place powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl and add D’Olivo Cinnamon Pear Balsamic one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until a pourable consistency is achieved.

When loaf is no longer hot, pour glaze over bread.

If you prefer the loaf without a glaze, lightly dust with powdered sugar before slicing.