Mary's Festive Cranberry-Walnut Bread

This recipe is an oldie from my childhood. My mother and I would make this bread every winter - if that even counts in sunny Santa Barbara - as soon as we saw the bags of cranberries in the store. It satisfied my sweet tooth but still had a tart surprise with every bite. Toast it with a little butter or wrap it in cellophane for a quick, homemade gift!

Ingredients: 2 cups flour 2/3 cup white sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 2 tbsp. butter 3/4 cup juice and zest of orange (about 2) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg, beaten 2 cups cranberries 1/2 cup walnuts Sift the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the butter with the two sugars. Add in the eggs, orange juice, and zest. Combine with the dry ingredients and fold in the cranberries and walnuts. Bake in a 350˚ oven for 45 - 50 minutes. It is important to test the bread with a toothpick at about 40 minutes and then again at 45. Once the toothpick comes out clean 2" from the side, it is done. Don't worry if the center isn't done as it will carry over. Happy holidays!