Fruit and Nut Bread

This healthy quick bread is loaded with fruit and nuts, but no fat. Add a little apricot brandy for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups cashews
• 1 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup dried currants
• 1 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp apricot brandy, optional

Directions:

Place flour, baking power and salt in large bowl. Mix well. Add seeds, nuts and dried fruit and stir to cover all ingredients with flour mixture. In a separate bowl, add eggs, sugar and optional brandy; mix with electric mixer until light and frothy. Add egg mixture to other ingredients and stir until all ingredients are well blended. This will appear to not have enough batter but, trust me, it's plenty. Generously grease two loaf pans. Fill each pan with half the batter. Place in a 275 degree oven and bake for 90 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes before removing from pans.

Number of Servings: 12

Notes from the Cook: The green pumpkin seeds and bright red cranberries make this treat an attractive, healthier alternative to the more sugary traditional fruit bread.