I hate baking. Okay, "hate" is a strong word. I dislike baking. Because baking requires measuring. And I don't like measuring. To avoid baking, I delegate the job.
However, I do make exceptions: Christmas time, and strawberry picking season. And like Christmas, strawberry picking is more enjoyable when you add kids to the experience.
We fill our buckets to the brim. Although "fresh" is the best way to eat a strawberry, a few will find their way into muffins, bread, or a sauce for ice cream.
This is one of my favorite recipes starring strawberries. I found a basic recipe on the internet, and then tweaked it. Not only do I dislike measuring, I don't follow recipe directions very well either. This recipe makes one loaf.
Strawberry Walnut Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 1/3 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla (or regular vanilla)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, and vanilla together.
4. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients, and pour egg mixture in well. Stir ingredients until moistened.
5. Fold in berries and walnuts.
6. Pour into pan, and bake approximately one hour or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool a few minutes before removing from pan. Enjoy!
Do you prefer cooking or baking? What's your signature dish?
