Double Cranberry Banana Bread

Name: Double Cranberry Banana Bread
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices).
Ingredients: 1/3 cup shortening; 2/3 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup mashed ripe banana; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce; 3/4 cup chopped pecans, divided; 1/2 cup dried cranberries

We love quick breads, and I've found that they freeze nicely if properly wrapped. This is a scrumptious recipe to make before the holidays and freeze for last-minute guests or gifts. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Ingredients

1/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed ripe banana
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
3/4 cup chopped pecans, divided
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and crumbly. Beat in eggs, banana and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup pecans and dried cranberries.
Transfer to a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan. Sprinkle with remaining pecans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Freeze option: Securely wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. To use, thaw at room temperature.

Test Kitchen tips

Grease the pan generously and be sure to let the bread stand 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.