APPLE BREAD

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 tablespoon buttermilk
2 cups sifted self-rising flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 1/2 cups chopped peeled tart apples
FOR THE TOPPING:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom of 9x5x3-inch loaf pan; set aside.

Cream 1 cup sugar, shortening, and vanilla with electric mixer in mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and buttermilk; blend well.

Add flour; blend well.

Stir in lemon peel and apples. Pour into prepared pan.

Combine 1 tablespoon sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter.

Bake 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Gently loosen sides of loaf. Turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.

Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture