Recipe: Russian Honey and Dried Fruit Bread (quick bread with raisins, dates, dried apricots, and whole wheat pastry flour)

Russian Honey and Dried Fruit Bread

2/3 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon each: Ground cloves, ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs, separated
3/4 cup vanilla nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped pitted dates
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

In a small saucepan, heat the honey, bringing it just to the boiling point. Remove from heat and stir in the spices and baking soda.

In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks and yogurt and beat together until smooth. Add the honey mixture and mix in thoroughly, then stir in the dried fruit and nuts.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the honey-nut mixture. Stir vigorously until thoroughly combined. Beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the batter. Pour into an oiled 9-by 5- by 3-inch loaf pan.

Bake for 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center tests clean. Cool on a rack, then cover tightly with foil to store.

Makes one loaf (recipe can easily be doubled)