Quick Bread 101

This is the time of year that I love to bake. If you keep the right ingredients in your pantry, you can make wonderful homemade baked goods any time you want them. With the new year, I like to go through my pantry to make sure I’m fully stocked. I keep Crisco Olive oils, Canola Oil, shortening and Sprays on hand at all times. I keep both all purpose, and whole wheat flour in the cupboard plus good quality vanilla and almond extracts. You’ve got to have baking powder and baking soda, too. If yours have been around for some time, check to make sure they still have leavening power by adding a small amount to very hot water. If it still bubbles and fizzes, it’s still good.

Once you know your pantry is stocked with baking essentials, you can bake up beautiful homemade quick breads. Spray a loaf pan with Crisco No Stick Cooking Spray and bake according to the recipe. Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly and, if you have the willpower, wait until tomorrow to eat it. Most quick breads taste best made one day ahead. You can find more recipes, including the Cinnamon Apple Bread pictured here, at Crisco.com