When I was growing up, I used to watch my Mom bake Christmas gifts for her friends. She would put together a treat basket that included a loaf of gingerbread, a slab of homemade fudge, haystacks (delicious butterscotch candy that I’ll share soon), and a loaf of this cranberry apricot bread. I think she included this bread because all of the other goodies are brown and this colorful loaf brightened up the whole basket. She would line up the sweets on the counter, and then daintily place them in pretty cellophane bags before tying a shiny ribbon on each one. My Dad and I would hang around the kitchen vying for scraps and tiny bites of fudge that wouldn’t fit in the bags.
Fast forward 10 years, and I found myself doing the same thing for my friends in college---same recipes and same cellophane bags with ribbon. I guess the saying is true: like mother, like daughter. To this day, we’re both the dedicated birthday cake bakers for our coworkers.
My Mom credits my love of cooking to the fact that when I was very little, she used to put me in my car seat and set me up on the counter every night so I could watch her cook dinner.
I still like to watch her cook. I have to smile when I see how anxious she gets when someone tries to step in and help. Again, I'm the same way: I like to cook for people, not with them. This year, my Mom made the majority of Thanksgiving dinner before I arrived home, so I didn't get a chance to tell her to save ¼ cup of fresh cranberries for this bread before she made the cranberry sauce. If you don't have any leftover fresh cranberries, feel free to subsitute dried ones.
I hope y’all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I sure did. Now, it’s holiday baking season---get to it! This delicious homemade bread is packed full of fruity flavor.
Cranberry Apricot Bread
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 131Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 50mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 3g
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking says
Yum, this bread sounds so bright and delicious. I'd love to be gifted a loaf or 3 ;)
Sippitysup says
I prefer solo cooking too. I thought it was a dirty little secret and am relived to know I am not alone. GREG
Kayla @ Sheriff of the Kitchen says
The only tasks i'll allow people to preform while im cooking is chopping veggies or washing dishes. Your tantalizing mini loaf posts has really talked me into getting a mini loaf pan. Easy portion control and delicious recipes from dessert for two, what could be better?
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
What a pretty loaf!
This is the first year that I'm sending out some food gifts to friends but I'm very excited about it. I feel like it will be such a nice surprise!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
this looks delish! I love apricots..and cranberries. And have a bag to use up!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
so stinkin' cute. love it. love you.
Krista {Budget Gourmet Mom} says
What a wonderful gift! There is something therapeutic about working in the kitchen alone. I totally get in my own little world and everybody better stay out!
vianney says
My aunt used to make basket like your mom did every year. How we waited for our baket to arrive, my mom on the other hand made TONS of tamales to hand out, lol the best of both worlds. Thanks for sharing, love holiday baking!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Getting homemade gifts made with love and care like this is always the best kind of gift.
nicole {sweet peony} says
this sounds amazing! i've never thought of putting cranberries with apricots... i know i would love this! and mini loafs are the cutest things ever :)