Grandma's Applesauce Brown Bread

Yes, that's right, I'm publishing a recipe.
I said it before, and I'll say it again, two things I don't kid about, cooking and politics. After my last post and talk about this Applesauce Brown Bread that I'm giving as gifts has had several of you wanting to try the recipe yourself.
This is Grandma's recipe, and the usual caveat applies - if it's Grandma's you know it's got to be good. (And no, Grandma didn't work for Smuckers.) :-D
I usually divvy it up into 2 small loaves, wrap them in foil and top with a pretty bow for gifts. Of course, I highly recommend keeping a loaf or two for yourself. It's so moist and sweet, you won't even need butter. Folks at the office have already started asking if they can expect one this year, so you know it's a hit.
Without further adieu...

Grandma's Applesauce Brown Bread

Makes: 1 loaf or 2 small loaves

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

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INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 1/2 Cups of Applesauce (Chunky or Regular)
• 2/3 Cups of Softened Margarine
• 1 Egg
• 2 Cups and 2 Tablespoons of Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons of Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, cloves and cinnamon, sifting together until well mixed throughout.
3. Blend sugar, softened margarine, egg, and applesauce.
4. Combine two mixtures into one bowl, stirring well.
5. Grease one large regular loaf tin or 2 small tins.
6. Pour into tin(s) and place in oven on middle rack for 45 minutes.
7. Bread is done when toothpick comes out dry of the middle.
8. Set on wire rack to cool approximately 20 minutes.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Be sure to let me know how much you enjoy it! :-D

Politics + Cooking = Democracy Cookies!!!

Overall, I'm a pretty light-hearted person. I'm a wise bird for my age, but only because of life's tribulations and trials that I've had my fair share of. One thing is for sure - life is too short and too precious to be taken too seriously.
Exception to that rule is two things - 1) my personal civic duty and 2) my cooking.
Sounds like an odd combination, but I love my politics and I love my cooking. So far, most of my friends and family would agree on both of those, but they are especially big fans of the latter.
What could be more perfect than finding a combination of the two? Or, even better - find a way to promote Democracy right here at home?

Well, I think I have.Introducing Liberal Lucy's Democracy Cookies!!! Tested and approved for Democracy Goodness by MichLib's very own Matt and lpackard.

That's right, homemade sugar cookies, made with tender loving care and fueled by a passion for promoting civic duty among all of Michigan's citizens and sprinkled with a little patriotic pride!

Here's how they work. My friends and co-workers have been alerted that if they show up with an "I Voted" Sticker on November 7th (or promise they filled out an absentee ballot) they get some Democracy Cookies. This is not a bribe, and I'm not asking people to vote for any particular candidate or any particular way on a ballot/millage proposal. This is just a way of saying how much I appreciate people participating in the democracy process by voting, period.

So, the kitchen is stocked, the oven's piping hot, and I'm ready to bake. Who's ready to vote?