Sunday Cook - Sweet Potato Pecan Loaf

Today, being Sunday, means another recipe day.

I'm happy to be making Sweet Potato Pecan Loaf today, something we have sadly lived without since last summer. I hope you make it because it is lovely and a great way to get all that beta carotene goodness of sweet potatoes.

This recipe also comes from Parents Canada magazine - I really scored with that issue - right?! - and a great way to  'sneak' veggies in for kids. When Cassia was a baby she couldn't eat enough mashed sweet potatoes. Sadly she won't even give them a chance right now - except this way.

So here we go....

Sweet Potato Pecan Loaf


1 loaf or 12 muffins


1 cup          all purpose flour
1 cup          whole wheat flour
1 cup          packed brown sugar
2 tsp.          baking powder
1/2 tsp.       salt
3/4 cup      milk
1/4 cup      canola oil
1                large egg
                  grated zest of an orange (optional) I find 1 orange a bit much and use 1/2 to 3/4 of it
1                packed cup coarsely grated peeled sweet potato
1/2 cup      chopped pecans or walnuts - or no nuts at all


Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or spray it with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder and salt.

In another bowl whisk together the milk, oil, egg and orange zest. 

While I was doing this - Derek and Cassia were planting some seeds.

Cassia was a busy girl because then she ran in to help me.

They say that kids are more likely to eat things they had a hand in preparing - we'll seeeeee......

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with the grated sweet potato and stir just until combined; gently stir in the pecans. 

Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake for 1 hour, or until the bread is golden and the top is springy to the touch. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. I baked ours for about 45 mins - like I said our oven is a bit too hot.

If you choose to make muffins - divide the batter among 12 greased or paper lined muffin cups and bake 400F for 20 - 30 minutes.

And the finished product. Yummm - just had a piece myself. The orange is a really nice addition - it is actually more like an orange loaf then sweet potato.

I notice that stats were down on our Cookie Sunday post - not sure if that is because it was a Sunday (being that most people have other things to do on Sundays then read blogs) or because food isn't all that popular....on our blog anyway.

No matter, I'll continue for myself and all of you out there that like to learn new recipes and such. Last weeks cookies and this loaf are the frugal way to go - better to bake your own then pay the prices in the stores right?

I had to laugh the other day reading Kelsi's article Living Simply can easily Become Complicated on Cheeky Bums Blog (a VERY good blog by the way). So true - right?! It takes time and effort to live simply and frugally, particularly if that means making things yourself which I like to do. It's not for everyone - you have to enjoy it to do it.

And no .... not everything on Sundays will be healthy stuff! Although Derek and I like to eat healthy and have really concentrated on it since Cassia came into our world, I'll be trying some great summer treats as well.

Half the time I think we are working to eat healthy to make up for the rest of the time when we aren't! Chips and fried food anyone? We L O V E them.

Well - I hope you enjoy the loaf! Let me know how you like it if you make it - ok.

On another note - I've been thinking hard on the blog redesign. I think I have my style pinned down to rugged - beauty or country - urban. With that in mind I'm searching for inspiration ..... one step closer.

Thanks for tuning in!

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: If you are interested in food and nutrition, here is a good link for you called Food Renegade. Lots of good reading material there and information you may not be aware of - like why you should replace your protein powder with gelatin, or the dangers of soy, for instance.

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