Tasty homemade holiday recipes

 If it’s truly better to give than to receive, why not give more than gifts from the store this holiday season? Home-baked treats are the perfect way to warm a heart and satisfy a sweet tooth for the people on your “nice” list.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, and spend a pleasant day in your cosy kitchen making home-baked gifts, like little loaves of Chocolate Hazelnut Fruit Bread. Giving someone a homemade gift is special because it’s a priceless gift of your time, something handmade and fresh which your family and friends are sure to enjoy. 

When making this recipe, to make this gift even more meaningful consider pairing the mini loaves with a wooden cutting board, a spreader and a small butter crock filled with a homemade spread that’s delicious and easy to make.

Michael J Bowman

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APH Heating

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Chocolate Hazelnut Fruit Bread

Bread
- No-Stick Cooking Spray
- 2 (7.4 oz.) pkgs. White Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 large)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts

Orange Butter and/or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, optional (below)

1.    Heat oven to 350°F. Coat bottoms only of four 6 x 3 1/2-inch foil loaf pans with no-stick cooking spray. Stir together all bread ingredients in large bowl until well blended. Divide batter among prepared pans.

2.    Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Remove and cool completely on wire rack. Wrap and store in refrigerator. Serve with Orange Butter or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, if desired.

Makes 4 small loaves

Orange Butter: Beat 1/2 cup softened butter in small bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 teaspoon grated orange peel and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Store in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving. Makes 3/4 cup.

 Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Grind 1 1/2 cups toasted hazelnuts and 1/4 teaspoon salt in food processor until very fine and getting creamy. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted. Pulse until blended. Store in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving. Makes 1 cup