Sugarplum Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped dried fruits (such as apricots, cherries, cranberries, dates, figs, or raisins)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Fold in the dried fruits and walnuts.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Sugarplum Bread is a traditional holiday bread in many cultures.
• The spices and dried fruits in Sugarplum Bread represent the flavors of the season.
• Sugarplum Bread is a great way to use up leftover dried fruits and nuts.