Hidden Veggie Quick Bread (No Yeast)

Note: This is kid-friendly and a good way to sneak a little bit of veggies into their diet, but please note that it isn't intended to be strictly health food. It's just a way to make a treat a little healthier. Nevertheless, the recipe is adaptable, so there are healthier substitutions you can make. You can use all whole wheat flour, reduce the amount of sugar, or use a sugar substitute.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1  cup whole wheat flour
• 3⁄4 cup white flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 3⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup  oil
• 1  egg, beaten
• 1  cup  vegetable  puree (see notes)
• 1⁄3 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped  nuts (optional) or 1⁄2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. First a note on the vegetable puree: Any vegetable will work, provided that you can get a relatively thick puree (about the consistency of canned pumpkin). For slightly more watery purees, increase the quantity by 1/3 cup and omit the water. It's easy to make vegetable puree--just cook or bake the vegetables until soft, and then puree in a blender or food processor, adding small amounts of water as necessary. Some that have worked well for me: squash, beans, peas, sweet potatoes and, of course, pumpkin--or combine several. It's easiest to make extra puree and freeze it in 1-cup portions for future loaves. (NOTE: Listed prep time does not include making the puree, as this varies depending on the vegetable.).
2. To make the bread, combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, veggie puree, oil, and water.
4. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients thoroughly. Add nuts or raisins, if desired.
5. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool in pan for about 10 minutes; then remove and cool thoroughly on a wire rack.