Pineapple & Cheese.

I officially declare it winter in YYC. (Yes, I do have such a power.)  This past weekend was freezing.   In fact, it was so cold, it sparked me to go out and purchase winter boots.  Although it's supposed to warm up over the next couple days (yay!)  I can't help but remain chilled, as I know what mother nature has in store for me.  Windchills, snow, ice, yuck!  Today, I decided to bake up some bread.  Not just any bread.  Cheesy, fruity, nutty bread.  Something about baking in winter (okay, late fall) is just so comforting and perfect.  

I chose this bread in particular, because of last night's Good Wife episode.   One of the main story lines from Sunday's show, was the recent change over from the 'food pyramid', to the new 'food plate' concept.  Of course, as with any change, none of the food groups are happy about this, nor do they want to play nicely with one another.  So in order to appeal to everyone, this bread covers all of your food group bases.  Dairy, grains, fruits and protein.  It's also super delicious.  Problem solved.  

Today's bread is pineapple cheese.  Now you know this is going to be good.  How can you go wrong with either one of those ingredients?  Short answer?  You really can't.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have some fresh bread to attend to.  Happy Monday!  At least it is in this household.

Pineapple Cheese Bread 

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup, plus 1 Tbsp crushed pineapple with juice

2 eggs

3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/3 cup walnuts, chopped

1/2 tsp pineapple extract

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Using a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt and mix together. In a separate bowl, mix the pineapple, eggs and pineapple extract, and add to the flour mixture, mix well. Fold in the cheese and nuts. Pour mixture into a greased 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool and turn out bread from pan. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

adapted from Paula Deen

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For a more in depth look at the GW check out lockhartgardner.blogspot.com.