FRENCH APPLE BREAD

2 cups sifted flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup butter, melted
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup peeled, diced apples
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup applesauce
FOR THE TOPPING:
1/2 cup grated apple (pat dry)
1 Tbsp cinnamon sugar
2 small pats butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour a 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.

Mix and sift flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.

Melt butter and combine with 2/3 cup sugar in a large bowl. Stir in diced apples, eggs, cheese, raisins, nuts, and applesauce. Stir in sifted dry ingredients. Pour in greased and floured 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.

Bake at 375 degrees F 40 minutes.

Sprinkle with grated apples and cinnamon sugar. Dot with butter. Bake an additional 15 minutes longer. Cool 10 minutes on wire rack before removing.