Apple Spice Bread

Hello!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! I’m definitely enjoying it even without being able to run. I’m taking my resting seriously. We were out with some friends last night – one of whom is a track coach – and, he made me pinkie promise to rest for at least 10 days. Like, do nothing. 10 days. But, I pinkie promised so I have to do it. You *can’t* break a pinkie promise.

I was in a “nesting” mood yesterday and I cleaned the house from top to bottom. Phew, did it need it! I was a little overdue on spring cleaning. For some reason, when I clean, I also like to bake. So, in addition to the amazing peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies I made yesterday to celebrate Cookie Monster’s birthday, I also made some Apple Spice Bread and, I got adventurous and decided to try my hand at some Orange Sherbert. Om nom nom! Thing 2 loves orange sherbert and, if you have ever purchased some and read the ingredients, you’d want to make your own too. So much better! And it was quite tasty. Win!

But, back to the bread. I was really looking for something to make that I could use for French Toast. Thing 2 isn’t HUGE on cinnamon (except in cinnamon buns) so I didn’t want to do a cinnamon swirl bread but I also didn’t want something like just plain old bread. She also doesn’t do raisins so those were out. I came across this recipe for apple spice bread and decided that it would fit the bill. There is some cinnamon in the bread but it’s not overwhelming and the apple lends an amazing sweetness. Of course, if you prefer, you could always use a Granny Smith apple for a tarter flavor – I used a Jonagold apple. Yum!

And, the best thing about this bread, is it is delicious enough to just eat on its own! Perfect with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, this light, fat-free bread is big on flavor. How did it do with the french toast? Om nom nom! It was fabulous – probably the perfect french toast bread in my opinion. Light enough that you can eat a few pieces without any guilt and packed with flavor and depth. Happy breakfasting!

What’s your favorite weekend breakfast food?
Do you prefer a tart or sweet apple?

Apple Spice Bread
Makes 1 loaf (20 slices)

1 cup shredded apple (about 1 medium)
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
2 egg whites or 1/4 cup cholesterol-free egg product
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray loaf pan (8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 or 7 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 inches) with nonstick cooking spray; dust with flour. Mix apple, sour cream and egg whites in large bowl. Stir in remaining flour and ingredients. Spread in pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.

Nutritional information:
Calories 45; Protein 1g; Carbohydrates 10g; Fat 0g; Fiber 0g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 120mg