Garden To Table Quick Bread
I love to give quick breads, jams and other homemade gifts to friends. I love this version of quick bread, especially because the flavors are so different than most quick breads. The addition of fresh herbs, especially a little lavender adds so much unexpected flavor. This Apple Rosemary and Lavender Bread is so easy to make and tastes so wonderful anytime of day. It’s lightly sweet, moist and fragrant from rosemary and dried French lavender.
Just imagine that if the Queen stopped by unexpectedly, you’d have the perfect light tea bread to serve in a pinch. This makes a great gift too, add this to a fun tea lovers or gardeners gift basket. Make some in advance, it freezes so well too.
By the way, you don’t have to be royalty or a tea lover to enjoy this bread. The unique flavor from the lavender really makes this bread stand out from the standard quick breads. This bread is good for breakfast, served at lunch or even for dessert. I’m even including mine in with a variety of appetizers.
I am making this version with apples, but it’s just as wonderful with pears. Just substitute the same amount of peeled, diced pears for apples.
Apple Rosemary and Lavender Bread
Preheat oven to 350° Prepare either 1 regular sized loaf pan or 3 individual sized loaf pans. Butter well, or spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Add 1 tablespoon of very finely minced fresh rosemary and 2 teaspoons of dried, organic (or home grown) lavender buds. Mix to combine.
Into a small bowl, add 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup olive oil and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
Add the wet mixture into the dry and mix until just all the dry mixture is incorporated, do not over mix, the mixture may be a bit lumpy.
Peel and core 2 small apples, for about 1 cup total. I like this made best with apples that are sweet. You can also substitute with pears. (Same measurement of pears, about 2 small sized apples) and cut into very small dice.
Gently fold in the fruit.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). If you want to add a lavender bloom to the top, for decoration, add the bloom, then push down slightly.
Bake on the center rack for about 35-45 minutes or until a tester inserted into the middle comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried lavender buds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup olive oil (or substitute vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and apples, any variety you prefer (about 2 small apples, or substitute with pears) diced into very small pieces, about 1/4 inch
optional - garnish with fresh lavender bloom
Instructions
- preheat oven to 350°F.
- 1 regular sized loaf pan or 3 individual sized loaf pans, well buttered, or spray with non-stick spray. Set aside
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, herbs and baking powder.
- Mix to combine.
- Into a small bowl, add the buttermilk, eggs, oil and vanilla.
- Mix until just all the dry mixture is incorporated, do not over mix, the mixture may be a bit lumpy.
- Peel the apple (about 1 medium sized apple) and cut into very small dice.
- Gently fold in the apples.
- Pour batter into prepared pan(s). If you are garnishing, add a lavender bloom to the top of the pan and slightly press in. (decorative only or remove the stem before baking)
- Bake on the center rack for about 35-45 minutes or until a tester inserted into the middle comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Enjoy!
Is it possible to replace buttermilk with something like milk and butter?
Yes, but since I haven’t tried it, I would use milk but add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. This will help activate the baking soda. It should work perfectly.
PS – no added butter necessary. (I forgot to mention that!)