Cherry-Berry Bread Mix

This bread recipe makes a delicious holiday gift - either as a mix or baked.

Recipe Ingredients:

Cherry-Berry Bread Mix:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick cooking or old fashioned oats
3/4 cup dried cherries
3/4 cup dried cranberries

Ingredients Needed to Complete Breads:
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup milk
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Cooking Directions:

1. For Cherry-Berry Bread Mix: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats, cherries and cranberries; mix well. May be stored in a resealable plastic bag, a decorative jar with lid or other airtight container. Store in cool dry place.
2. To Complete Breads: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray 4 (6x3-inch disposable aluminum foil mini loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Place bread mix in large bowl.
4. In small bowl, combine honey, milk, butter and eggs with wire whisk or fork; mix well. Add to dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not over-mix.) Pour into pans, dividing evenly.
5. Bake 22 to 28 minutes or until tops of breads feel firm when touched and wooden pick inserted near center has a few moist crumbs clinging to it. (Do not over bake.) Cool breads in pans on wire rack.
6. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Store at room temperature up to 2 days. For longer storage, label and freeze.

Makes 6 mini loaves, or 2 large loaves.

Variations:

Two Large Loaves - Divide batter evenly between 2 (8x4-inch) greased baking pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center has a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Proceed as recipe directs.

Mini Bundt Loaves - Lightly spray six mini Bundt pan cups with cooking spray. Divide batter evenly between cups. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 23 to 27 minutes. Remove from cups; cool on wire rack. Drizzle with favorite glaze; decorate as desired.

Note: Honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age. Honey is a safe and wholesome food for children and adults.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of the National Honey Board.