Baking used to be the one skill I never thought I could master. I used to say “I can cook like crazy but bake – are you nuts?” and my friends knew that I would be the one heading to the bakery or playing with a mix. I have had more than one ruined pie, scorched quite a few quick breads and don’t even get me started on things that have gone crispy because life may or may not have gotten in the way.
Over time, I have learned that the saying “Practice Makes Perfect” is true and, while pie dough and puff pastry are still my sworn enemies, I know I can rock a mean cookie and a crisp with ease. I can whip up cupcakes and muffins without worry, bread puddings are a holiday tradition and those quick breads that I have scorched – well, let’s just say that as of this week, I know I have nothing to worry about.
They say that if you have the proper tools, you will get good results and, while that may be somewhat true, I have also learned that if you have the right ingredients – that also is a big step in the right direction. When Diamond of California Nuts asked us what was our Baking Fantasy, I knew that I had to conquer the quick bread – specifically a blueberry quick bread which is something I have not mastered yet – until now.
See – I’m the gal who forgets that the nuts are toasting on the stovetop and is doing 20 million things at once – a no no in baking. So, with a strong resolution to not fail, I made my way into the kitchen with a pan and a plan. I decided to go with a Blueberry bread recipe from Diamond of California Nuts and change it up a bit. Lately I have been obsessed with all things pecans so I decided to add some of the chopped Diamond Pecans to the quick bread batter and let me tell you – it added the perfect note.
Can I say that the end result was moist, flavorful and full of that nutty pecan goodness. While I did pack it a bit with blueberries and lemon, I’m glad I did because, after all, can there ever be too many blueberries? For your holiday treats list, whip up this lovely – there is nothing like it on a chilly morning with a cup of coffee and a few minutes to marinate on the day’s events – and to plot out the next Baking Fantasy.
On to the recipe:
Gather your ingredients
Toast the Pecans – be careful not to burn them!
Time to marry the wet ingredients to dry
Just a few blueberries
Pouring over the glaze
Now – don’t you want a bite?
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