Autumn Apple Bread

Ingredients

1/4 C shortening
1 C sugar
2 large eggs, well beaten
2 C flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 C coarsely grated raw, peeled apple (any kind other than red delicious)
1 Tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
2/3 C chopped walnuts (pecans are good too, but I prefer walnuts)

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 degrees – grease and flour an 8 by 5 inch Loaf pan

Cream shortening and sugar together until fluffy; beat in the eggs. Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, alternating with portions of the grated apple. Stir in the lemon zest and walnuts (or pecans). The batter will be stiff.

Spoon into your prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of bread comes out clean. The top should be nicely browned.

Cool bread thoroughly; do NOT slice until cooled.