Walnut-Chocolate Quick Bread

Rescued from an older cookbook, I have wanted to try this recipe for years. I finally made these quick breads for Christmas gifts this year and they were rich and delicious! The hint of molasses embellishes this quick bread recipe I baked from the Favorite Brand Name Gifts from the Kitchen Christmas collection. This recipe makes 4 5×3″ loaf pan breads great for gift giving!

1 1/2 c milk

1 c sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg, beaten

1 Tbps molasses

1 tsp vanilla

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 Tbps unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 c chocolate chips

1/2 c walnuts, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 4 5×3″ loaf pans, set aside. Combine milk, sugar, oil, egg, molasses and vanilla in medium bowl. Stir until sugar is dissolved; set aside. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add chocolate chips, nuts and sugar mixture; stir just until combined. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center of loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Makes 4 loaves.

Muffin Variation: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spoon batter into 12 greased muffin cups. Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center of muffin comes out clean.