Vintage Recipes for Delicious Gift Breads: Banana Walnut Bread and Rhubarb Bread

One of the great things about grandma’s house was always the selection of delicious treats to be found in her kitchen.  Whether it was meal time or we just wanted a snack, there was always something delicious available.  And one of those “always available” items was bread.  Grandma cooked on an old cast iron wood stove that had a warmer section.  There were always biscuits and breads in the warmer section.  Here are a couple of sweet breads from my vintage recipe collection that remind me of grandma.  Banana Walnut and Rhubarb breads are both tasty treats you should share with your family and friends.

VINTAGE BANANA WALNUT BREAD

1 cup sugar1/2 cup shortening2 tbsp milk1 tbsp vinegar1 cup chopped walnuts3 very ripe crushed bananas1/4 tsp salt1 tsp soda2 cups flourPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Combine all ingredients and bake in greased loaf pan for 50 to 60 minutes.

RHUBARB BREAD

3/4 cup white sugar3/4 cup brown sugar2/3 cup salad oil1 egg1 cup sour milk*1 tsp salt1 tsp soda1 tsp vanilla2 1/2 cups flour1 1/2 cup diced rhubarb1/2 cup chopped nutsPreheat oven to 325 degrees.Mix ingredients in the order listed above. Mix well and pour into two greased loaf pans and sprinkle over batter a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes. Freezes well. Makes 2 loaves.*Sour milk is buttermilk.  If you do not have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar mixed in.Enjoy!