Friday Feast | Holiday Bread
Welcome to the last Friday Feast of the year in Mary's Tavern! What a year, my dear friends. I'll be happy when I shut the door on 2024. Whew! For now, I'm sharing a recipe that's been in my family since I was a wee lass. Even the recipe card is worn, and I can barely read the writing. The secret ingredient in this bread in mincemeat. There seems to be a debate over the love/disgust/hate relationship over anything mincemeat. I'm a huge fan, including another debated holiday treat: fruitcake. It must be in my DNA. My dad loved them both, especially the time I made him a fruitcake, heavily doused with brandy.
As always, I'm curious. Do you enjoy a good slice of mincemeat pie/bread/muffin? What about fruitcake? If so, do share a recipe. If not, feel free to post your comments, as well. All opinions have value here.
As I write this post, I'm also prepping the Winter Newsletter. If you didn't hear my shout on social media the other day, STEINAR, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland picked up TWO prestigious awards from N. N. Light Book Awards ~Viking Romance and Best Book of 2024! I'm still stunned and honored to receive these accolades for a book I thought would be my last.
May your holidays be filled with the beauty of friends, family, bright lights, and much love! You are each a bright light for me and the knight, who is doing well after his third scan for cancer--no tumors detected! Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Merry Christmas with love,
Mary
Santa's Festive Bread
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups sifted flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs (room temperature)
½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon brandy (optional)
1 cup mincemeat (I like the brand called Grandma's)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Whisk eggs in another medium bowl.
Add brown sugar, evaporated milk, melted butter, brandy, and mincemeat to eggs. Stir until combined.
Add dry ingredients and mix well.
Pour into greased and floured loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of brandy.
