Banana, Orange & Raisin Bran Bread

[Olga Drozd]

BANANA, ORANGE & RAISIN BRAN BREAD:

Bananas and orange couple well in this fragrant, moist loaf.  Bran and raisins round out this delicious breakfast bread.

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup 100% all bran cereal
1 orange, grated,  Use fruit and juice to make up 1/2 cup in all
1 medium banana, mashed

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup yellow raisins
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon powdered cloves

Beat together first 7 ingredients until blended.  Combine and add the remaining ingredients and stir until blended.  Do not overmix.

Divide batter between 4 greased mini loaf pans (6 X 3 X 2 inches) and bake in a 350º F. oven for about 40 minutes or until a cake tester, inserted in center, comes out clean.  Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes, and then remove from pans and continue cooling on a rack.  Yields: 4 mini-loaves.