A Recipe to Get You Into The Holiday Spirit! Whole Wheat Apple Spice Loaf

Whole Wheat Apple Spice Loaf 

Makes 1 large loaf

For the apple mixture:

• 1/2 cup diced apple
• 1 tsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 tsp of orange zest (optional)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp of freshly ground ginger
• a pinch of nutmeg

For the batter:

• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cups of milk (I used almond)
• 1/2 cup agave nectar (or maple syrup)
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

1. In a bowl, toss apples with orange juice and then add applesauce, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and the orange zest.  Mix and set aside.
2.  In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients for batter and  mix well.
3.  In a small bowl, combine milk, agave nectar and vanilla.
4. Add wet mixture to dry, stirring through until just well combined.
5.  Add apple mixture to batter, and using a spoon or knife, ever so slightly fold/swirl it into the batter.
6. Pour into a lightly oiled (just wipe with a paper towel) 9″ x 5″ loaf pan.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick or skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.