Recipe: Gift of the Magi Bread (using dried figs)

GIFT OF THE MAGI BREAD

1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
Pinch salt
1 c. mashed bananas (3)
1 (11 oz.) can mandarin orange segments, drained
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate pieces
1 c. shredded coconut
2/3 c. sliced almonds
1/2 c. chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 c. dried figs, chopped
Confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter or margarine with granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well until fluffy.

Sift flour with baking soda and salt, add alternately with mashed banana. Stir in mandarin oranges, chocolate pieces, coconut, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, cherries and figs. Pour into two loaf pans (greased) 7 1/2" x 3 3/4". Sprinkle remaining sliced almonds over tops.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours. When cool, sieve confectioners' sugar over the tops.

Makes two loaves.