Pawpaw Bread

Pawpaw is an indigenous fruit to the U.S., its taste is similar to banana. It has many nicknames, including 'Kentucky banana', 'prairie banana', 'poor man's banana' and 'banango'.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup pawpaw purée
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Directions:

1. Cream shortening, add sugar gradually, and beat until fluffy.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in pawpaw purée.
3. Sift together remaining dry ingredients and add in four portions, beating smooth each time.
4. Pour batter into a greased, floured loaf pan (8 x 4 x 3-inches) and bake in a moderate oven (350°F | 175°C) for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the loaf comes out clean. Cool on rack before slicing.
5. Serve slices buttered or with cream cheese.

Makes 1 1oaf.

Tip: To vary this recipe, add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup candied orange peel.

Recipe courtesy of Kentucky State University.