Kids Can Make: Apple Bread

Ingredients:

• 5 small McIntosh apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
• 1.5 cups of sugar
• 0.5 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups premium flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 0.5 tsp fine salt
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• Special equipment: bread pan measuring 25x12.5x7.5 cm.

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix the apples, sugar, and lemon zest together by hand until the sugar resembles wet sand. Let the mixture sit, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes (the sugar will begin to melt but will still be crumbly).
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt onto a large sheet of parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   
   
   When measuring flour, spoon it into a dry measuring cup and remove any excess. Scooping flour directly from the bag will compact it and result in dry baked goods.
3. Once the apples have soaked, add the flour mixture and stir to distribute evenly. Pour in the butter mixture and stir (it's okay if a few lumps remain). Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Tap the pan on the countertop a few times to even out the batter.
4. Bake the bread until the top is golden brown and springs back when pressed (a toothpick inserted into the center may come out with a few moist crumbs), 55-60 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack. Remove the bread from the pan and serve warm or at room temperature.
   
   Note
   
   Don't leave your child unsupervised in the kitchen. Limit them to tasks appropriate for their age.