Christmas Gumdrop Bread

fluffernutter's Note:

Quick but luxurious and fun for giving. The baking mix makes it quick, while cherries, candy, fruit and nuts make it look festive when cut open. For a gift presentation, either cut the bread and arrange on a plate, or wrap in nice packaging, because the loaves are a bit brown and lumpy on the outside.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 4 loaves

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup baking mix
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries , drained
• 1 cup dried apricot , chopped
• 1 cup dried dates , chopped
• 1 cup mini gumdrop
• 1 cup chopped toasted almond

Directions:

1. Beat the eggs, then beat in baking mix, sugar and vanilla.
2. Stir in the cherries, apricots, dates, gumdrops and almonds.
3. Spoon into 4 greased miniature baking pans (about 5 inches by 3 inches).
4. Bake at 300°F for 1 hour 20 minutes.
5. Cool in pans 5 minutes.
6. Remove to wire racks and cool completely.
7. Batter may be used for muffins.