Crisp cool mornings.  Exquisite reds, yellows and oranges.  The delicious earthy smell.  Fall is here and it is one of my favorite times of year.

With fall comes baking!  Enjoy the tastes of autumn in a guilt-free way.

Apple Carrot Loaf: By Erin Lindskog 

INGREDIENTS: 

1 large egg

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup liquid-state coconut oil (canola or vegetable may be substituted)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 TBSP fresh orange zest

3 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp cardamom

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

pinch salt, optional and to taste

3/4 cup grated carrots (about 1 large peeled and trimmed carrot)

3/4 cup grated apples (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp or similar)

DIRECTIONS: 

1 Preheat oven to 350F. Grease one 8×4 -inch loaf pan and slightly cover greased surface with flour (shake out excess flour)

2 In a large bowl, add the the first eleven ingredients, through to cardamon, and whisk to combine.

3 Shift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, optional salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and fold with spatula or stir gently with a spoon until just combined; don’t overmix.

4 Add the carrots, apples, and fold gently to combine.

5 Turn batter (should be very thick) out into the prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.

6 Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes (varies depending on your oven temperature so keep an eye on it) or until the top is golden, the center is set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

*Tip – Tent the pan with a sheet of tin foil draped loosely over it at the 35 minute-mark to prevent the tops and sides from becoming too browned before center cooks through.

7 Allow bread to cool in pan for about 15 minutes before turning out on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

* also lovely when served with a glaze or spread. Honey butter, Orange glaze (powder sugar mixed with fresh orange juice), cinnamon butter.

Savor the season and enjoy with those you love…

Kelly, S & O xo

TMB-approved-200