Bacon, Cheddar and Sage Quick Bread

This savory quick bread is perfect with most dishes and fabulous served warm as an after school snack.

6 slices nitrate-free apple smoked bacon, diced into ½-inch pieces
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated, about 1 cup
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh sage
1 ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 large organic eggs
1/3 cup organic whole milk
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a loaf pan with vegetable oil spray.

Cook the bacon in a large, non stick skillet over medium high heat. Transfer the crispy bacon to paper towels to drain.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk the eggs, milk and olive oil in another bowl. Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the flour and stir. Add in the cheese, sage and bacon and stir until just mixed through. The dough will be thick.

Pour the dough into the loaf pan. Bake the bread until a tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 50 to 55 minutes.

Yield: 1 loaf (8 to 10 ½-inch slices)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: about 50 minutes

Sources and Substitutions

Use this recipe as your guide to make your favorite quick bread with the items you have in your pantry. Dried fruit, every variety of cheese, nuts and any type of herb will work just fine.