Morning Glory Muffin Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 2 large carrots, finely grated (1 cup)
• 1 cup golden raisins

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 15 minutes).
2. 2. Meanwhile, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.
3. 3. Whisk together sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract; fold in crushed pineapple and carrots. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in toasted pecans and raisins. Spoon into 2 greased and floured 8- x 4-inch loaf pans.
4. 4. Bake at 350° for 55 to 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack 15 minutes. Remove from pans to wire rack, and cool completely (about 50 minutes).
5. Morning Glory Muffins: Prepare batter as directed. Spoon into lightly greased muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 23 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pans to wire rack, and cool completely (about 30 minutes). Makes 2 dozen muffins. Prep: 30 min., Bake 23 min., Cool: 50 min.
6. Note: Bread and muffins may be made ahead and frozen in a zip-top plastic freezer bag up to 1 month, if desired. Remove from bag, and let thaw at room temperature.