Hi Brig - it just may be the oven temp??? I've been meaning to go out and get an oven thermometer. We do have a new stove and I really thought could have been the problem... Same pans, same everything...

lol - I have thrown out the 5 year old baking powder though and have a nice new one to start fresh...

Thanks for your suggestions.

Funny though - as bad as these 2 loaves turned out - one has just one piece left to finish and the other is all nicely coated in rum and in the freezer.

I've definitely decided to try the new recipe June posted for my next batch. :)