Some of you may have caught a glimpse of these little loaves on my Facebook page prior to Easter.
My sister, whom I hadn’t seen in nearly 3 years (where does time go?), and her lovely daughter were visiting over the Easter long weekend and preparations were well underway.
We had a splendid visit! There was not a lot of sleep involved – always a sign of fun and fast times – but there were plenty of giggles, some heavy duty philosophical conversations during dog walks (isn’t it always the way?), and even a fierce game of charades. We don’t fool around.
But the highlight for us was a little tea we hosted in honor of our special guests. Now ‘little’ is a relative term when you come from a family of 12. Things are rarely small, quiet or little for that matter but that’s precisely what makes them so darn fun and memorable. There was laughter ringing from every corner of the house as we sipped our tea, enjoyed some baked yummies and my sister took dramatic charge of the microphone in an impressive and paralleled Rockstar vocal performance that was only outdone by the little hands accompanying her on the drums and guitar. You rocked it silly sister!!
Cranberry Coconut Quinoa Mini Loaves (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
- 1 + 1/4 cup quinoa flour
- 1 cup whole grain oatmeal
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 3/4 cup dried cranberry + more for topping
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup desiccated coconut shavings + more for topping
- 1/3 cup coconut palm sugar, substitute other coarse grain sugar
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 tsp natural vanilla essence
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce or 2 + 1/2 ripe mashed bananas
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- 1/3 cup dilute orange juice
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Notes:
If you are concerned about gluten contamination in your oatmeal (opinions vary widely here), you can easily substitute a gluten free flour in place of the oatmeal.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Makes 4 mini loaves (or one large loaf or 15 or so muffins if preferred).
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients (first 9 ingredients). In a separate smaller bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, apple sauce or banana, coconut or olive oil and orange juice, mixing well to combine.
Add wet ingredients to dry and mix only until combined.
Place batter into 4 gently greased mini loaves or 1 large loaf pan or muffin cups as desired.
Top with some coconut shavings and cranberries.
Bake mini loaves for approximately 25 minutes or until loaves are browned and cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Allow loaves to cool before slicing.
If baking a large loaf, the approximate cooking time would be in the 35 minute range.
For muffins, I generally heat to 400 F for 20 minutes.
Enjoy and Cheers to family!
Who said anything about getting along? LOL. Cheers MJ ;0).
Kelly, this is one more incredible combination of ingredients that only you know how to transform into such gorgeous looking mini-cakes. The cranberry and coconut mixture sounds amazing and gives me some ideas to modify one of my frequently baked sweets…
It seems that you have had so much fun with your sister. I cannot even imagine how would a meeting of all your siblings look like!
It’s so great to read about families that get along like yours does! I could never imagine my family having such a good time together. When we were kids we did, but we have grown apart as adults. My sister Nadalyn and I are still very close and we’re both thankful for that. I would love to have been a fly on the wall at your reunion. :) Teatime with the family – what fun! I did see these miniloaves on your FB page. They look delicious! The ingredients are quite different than anything I have ever used in a bread so I’m quite curious as to the flavor and texture. Guess I’ll have to make it to find out. Have a wonderful Sunday and I’m so glad your visit with your sister was everything you wanted it to be!
What a fun time! Three years? I am sure there were a LOT of phone calls in between you visits. :) I am going to have to find some quinoa flour. These look delicious.
Fun times and sisterly love for the win! And these loaves look beautiful too.
So glad you got to spend some *much needed time with your sister!!! It sounds like hangin with your family is a blast :)
These little cakes look delicious and how freaking cute is that little pan!
That sounds like a totally fun visit with your sister and family! It sounds like you guys did it up just right! I can just hear the laughter and feel the smiles. :) So glad you all had a chance to catch up. It sounds like it was just right. And speaking of just right…this bread sounds just right too. I love cranberry…anything cranberry. Yum!
Haha, Sally, I’m sure she’d love that! ;o)
I adore karaoke!! (In fact I often tell the boys I was a rock star in a former life) ;o)
These are sooo adorable. I have been waiting for this recipe since you gave us a sneak peak on FB! I love how they are mini- so perfect for tea. I’m glad you had such a great time with your sis. Tea time with you sounds like a par-tay! haha
You don’t suppose there would be a youtube hanging around with your sister;s performance? Would loooooove to see that! ;-)
I only once embarrassed myself at a karaoke, but usually I just sing at home and torture Phil and the dogs with my unique, very personal style… I am partial to Fiona Apple, although Florence and the Machine is not beyond me ;-)
Great recipe, as usual, lovely little loaves!
These mini loaves look freaking good with all the quality ingredients you have used.