Pomegranate and Pistachio Loaf!

Before saying goodbye to 2012, I think one more delicious pomegranate recipe is in order. Don't you agree? I scoured the web for a pomegranate bread recipe and the only thing that kept coming up was pomegranate and banana bread. While I'm sure it's tasty, it sure is boring! With this loaf, the sweet-tartness of the pomegranates pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the pistachios. Try it, I think you'll agree!

Note: In case you missed the first one, here is an easy-peasy recipe for pomegranate and white chocolate chip cookies.

Now, back to the loaf, shall we? This is the perfect bread to serve at your next brunch, or as a wonderful New Year's gift for friends and family! Wrap it in plastic wrap, tie a ribbon with a new year's quote around it and boom! Your lucky recipients will ring in the new year with a sweet treat!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking power
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk (I used skim, but any kind will work)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
• 1/4 cup unsalted pistachios - chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
In a separate bowl combine milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
Add wet ingredients to the dry ones and stir slowly until just combined. Do not over mix!
Add pomegranates and half of the chopped pistachios. Mix until just combined. Again, do not over mix or your loaf will be hard as a brick!
Pour mixture into a greased loaf pan. Top with remaining pistachios.

Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf stand in the pan for 5 minutes, and then remove from pan and let it cool completely.

event planning