Recipe(tried): Cherry Cordial Loaf (using chocolate chips, maraschino cherries and brandy)

A beautiful loaf that tastes like chocolate-covered cherries - perfect for holiday gift giving.

CHERRY CORDIAL LOAF

3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 (9-oz.) jar maraschino cherries
About 1/2 cup milk
1 egg, at room temperature
1/4 cup brandy
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2 teaspoons sugar

Generously grease a 9x5 loaf pan; set aside. Preheat oven to 350F.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside. Drain liquid from cherries into a 1 cup liquid measuring cup. Add milk to make 1 cup; set aside.

Blot cherries on paper towels. Finely chop enough cherries to make 1/2 cup. Cut remaining whole cherries in halves. Set aside to drain on paper towels.

In a medium bowl, combine chopped cherries, liquid mixture, egg, brandy, oil, and vanilla. Stir into flour mixture only until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in chocolate pieces. Turn into prepared pan; smooth top. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar. Arrange cherry halves cut side down in a row down center of batter. Press lightly into batter.

Bake 60-70 minutes or until wooden toothpick in center comes out clean. Let stand in pan 10 minutes. Turn out of pan. Cool on rack. Makes 1 loaf.

Breads: Sharon Tyler Herbst, 1983
Photo: Kathy - MA.