March 14, 2013

Tart Apple & Raisin Bread

This time next week, I will be on a jet plane, headed to the one and only Dallas, Texas.

I’ve never been to Dallas.

I’ve never even watched Dallas.

Egads. I do know who J.R. is, though, however, I do not know who shot him. I also know he died in real life. I don’t think it was from a gunshot wound.

I could be wrong.

But back to Dallas.

I am attending the Blissdom Conference, being held at the Gaylord. Blissdom. Blissdom. Sounds nice, does it not? I mean, it has the word BLISS right in it.

I’m scared though, y’all. It’s mostly Mommy Bloggers. I apologize in advance to every Mommy Blogger I’ve never met, but Mommy Bloggers have a reputation for being hard asses. Apparently, the world of Mommy Blogging is dog eat dog, and makes you thick skinned. We Food Bloggers are pretty mellow, I think. Go with the flow types. I mean, we write about food.

Food is good. Everyone eats. It’s one big happy family.

I’m scared a Mommy Blogger may accost me. I’m not a hard ass. And – I’ve just put it out there that I think THEY are. I fear one may throw rechargeable batteries and handheld vacuums at me.

And I bruise easy.

Luckily, I’ll have my posse there with me – Paula, Brandi, and the other lovely ladies that comprise the California Raisin Blogger Bunch. We’ll be hanging out (Get it, hanging out? Like grapes? No? I thought it was funny.) during Blissdom with the California Raisin crew, with lots of fun things in store for those who come by the Raisin booth to visit. So if you’re there, come by! I’d love to meet you!

In a tribute to California Raisins, I came up with this Tart Apple Bread, chock full of plump, juicy raisins. Perfect for a breakfast treat (a little sweet, but not too much), or, a nice snack slathered with entirely too much butter.

Whaaa?

Butter is good.

Raisins are good.

Make it. Share it. Come see me in Dallas. I’ll be the one hiding from all those Mommies.

Tart Apple and Raisin Bread

makes one loaf

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
6 Tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed Dixie Crystals Light Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Dixie Crystals Granulated Sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 Granny Smith apples, peeled & shredded
2/3 cup California Raisins

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare one standard size loaf pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt and spices.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar mixing until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, scraping bowl in between additions. Add vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Combine the vinegar with the water. Add 1/2 of flour and mix in, then half of vinegar mix. Repeat until all of the ingredients have been incorporated. Add apples and raisins and mix until just combined.
Pour batter into loaf pan and bake in oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.