The Seasonal Gourmet

A bin of apples at the farmer's market

It’s a cool November morning and I’m sitting here staring at my bowl of Special K with low-fat milk feeling uninspired.  I’m craving something sweet and comforting and I’m afraid my healthy option just isn’t cutting it (little wonder, since I don’t really like cereal that much).  I’m tempted to make a run for the cafe near my house because they sell fantastic pastries including almond croissants, chocolate croissants and fruit danishes.  However, I don’t need to develop a daily pastry habit so perhaps I can whip up something that fits the criteria of being (relatively) healthy yet comforting. Apple Walnut Bread is the perfect solution.  It’s also a great idea for those of you who overindulged this past weekend and are looking for lighter options while recovering from turkey and pumpkin pie overload.

Using apple sauce in place of some of the fat keeps the bread moist and flavourful while whole wheat flour and oatmeal add fibre. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a great breakfast option that suits these grey days.

Spiced Apple Walnut Bread

Makes one loaf

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• ½ cup quick cooking oats, such as Quaker brand
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup applesauce
• 2 Tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or safflower oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and grated (about 1-1/3 cups grated apple)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Topping:

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a standard sized loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add dry ingredients (flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg). Stir until thoroughly combined, making sure spices are evenly distributed.
3. Add eggs, applesauce, oil, and vanilla. Mix to combine. Add grated apple and stir until well distributed through batter. Gently fold in walnuts but do not over mix batter. Pour into greased loaf pan.
4. Prepare topping: in a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. Sprinkle sugar mix and nuts over batter.
5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Let cool. Run a knife around the perimeter of the loaf before unmolding it from the pan. Slice and serve.

Spiced Apple Walnut Bread

Bon Appétit and Enjoy!

This article first appeared on Suite 101.com