Quick breads are perfect for the lunchbox because they are best eaten the day after baking. This recipe uses ground flax seeds and walnuts, both of which are high in omega-3 fatty acids good news for those avoiding fish oil supplements.
MAKES: 1 loaf
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 cup fine-milled whole wheat flour
- 1 cup raisins
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 tsp. flax seed meal
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp. orange zest
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the whole wheat flour and mix well.
- Toss the raisins in the flour mixture to coat them and prevent them from sticking together and sinking while baking.
- Stir in the sugar and slivered almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- In a small bowl, blend the flax seed meal and water until it becomes white and foamy.
- Add the orange zest, orange juice, and sunflower oil to the flax seed mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just blended. Be careful not to overmix.
- If the batter feels stiff, add a little more orange juice or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the loaf is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
VARIATIONS:
DATE-WALNUT QUICK BREAD
- Prepare the basic recipe, using chopped dates in place of the raisins.
CRANBERRY -PECAN QUICK BREAD
- Prepare the basic recipe, using dried cranberries in place of the raisins and pecans in place of the walnuts.
CHERRY-ALMOND QUICK BREAD
- Prepare the basic recipe, using roughly chopped dried cherries in place of the raisins and flaked almonds in place of the walnuts.
ZUCCHINI QUICK BREAD
- Prepare the basic recipe, replacing the raisins with 2 cups grated zucchini, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
