CHOCOLATE CHERRY BREAD

1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup choopped nuts, toasted*

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour bottom only of a (9x5-inch) loaf pan.

Mix sugar, milk, oil and eggs in a large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients just until moistened. Pour into pan.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Loosen sides of loaf from pan. Remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.

*To toast nuts, bake uncovered in ungreased shallow pan in a 350 degree F oven for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Or cook in ungreased heavy skillet over med-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until browning begins, then stirring constantly until golden brown.

Makes 1 loaf
Source: Gold Medal