Whole Wheat Pear Poppy Loaf
Sigh. First day of school for second-grader Wyatt. He tried to act all composed this morning, emerging from his room with his school clothes on and his pencil box all organized. But I know better. He's thinking, "Will Kyle still be in my class? Will Oscar and I get to have recess together? Will people remember and still like me?" He is one lucky, loved-up kid, but days like today are still heartbreaking for his mother. His bus route got all mixed up, they called me from school,and he finally got off at his bus stop an hour late, lower lip trembling. Remember that feeling, like you might get left behind?
I stayed up last night to make these little loaves for his teachers. I know they don't expect it, but it helps me get back in the rhythm of things, gives me some small way to acknowledge how hard they work every day. And they do. Damn. They've got all the cubby holes set up with the little name stickers, ordered special books for Wyatt to keep up with him (Bursting with pride? Yes.), and they'll get up tomorrow and pay that much attention all over again.
I really, really like this bread and can foresee making it many more times. Whole wheat floor, grated pears, lemon zest, poppy seeds--tastes like bright, crisp autumn with fiber to boot. I made three mini-loaves so as to spread the wealth, but you could certainly make one big one and keep it all to yourself. I'm certain there are changes going on in your life, too. Whatever they are, breakfast is always there to keep us tethered. And maybe it will be as delicious as this.
Whole Wheat Poppy Pear Loaves
Adapted from Oprah magazine, of all places. Like I've said many times, you don't have to look far these days for interesting or inspiring recipes. Have I mentioned my magazine affliction? I only have five subscriptions at the moment, but if I had my way, there would be more. Oprah magazine is my guilty pleasure. I love reading about what kind of mascara I should buy even though I don't wear it.
1/2 c. canola oil
2 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
zest of one lemon
2 large eggs
1/2 c. honey
1 c. applesauce
2 Tb. poppy seeds
2 ripe pears, grated
Preheat oven to 350°. Brush one 9" x 4" loaf pan or 3 baby loaf pans with oil or butter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a small bowl, stir together oil, lemon zest, eggs, honey, applesauce, and poppy seeds. Add to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in grated pears.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until bread is golden brown, slightly cracked on the surface, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 75 to 85 minutes. (if you're baking mini-loaves, it will be more like 40 minutes). Remove from oven; let stand until completely cool, about 30 minutes, before serving.
September 8, 2010
Reader Comments (13)
This sounds great, perfect for breakfast! I love that the ingredients include honey, apple sauce, and pears!
Of all things! Why did it never occur to me to make something for their teachers' FIRST day? Genius. I just love that.
And THIS. Mind if I copycat?
Hoo-rah, Wyatt. Missed bus stops and all. The school lost my Max on his first day of first grade. Dropped him off at another school, entirely. Dang those kids, all stiff upper lip and strong spine (until we find them, bless their little hearts!) He's one fierce dude, to make it through a first day like that!
oh poor little boy. i would've done more lip-trembled as a child. i hope the first day was (like most usually are) fun and motivating! what a nice gesture to bake delicious goodies for the teachers. great flavor combo. i'll keep that in mind for someday. or bake them up on my own!
cheers,
*heather*
Hugs and warmth and support to all you Children and Mothers who stepped forward today into new territory! How could they possibly grow up this quickly? Why, it wasn't more than a year ago when you and Yancey brought Wyatt to his first "Parents' Date Night" at Bethany UCC, was it? A dear, sweet, enagaging, and thoroughly TRUSTING little person he was! Blessings on you all, and on ALL of Our Children, that they may be so nurtured, encouraged, and loved!
I love your stories about your life, Sarah. So sweet. And this looks yummy and healthy. Yeah!
After a long first day, I needed to wind down...and what was sitting there with my name on it? yes Sarah's bread. I almost inhaled the whole loaf. It was so moist and sweet and I love the crunch of the seeds. What a wonderful surprise! Thanks so much for this delicious treat. And to think it's also healthy. This might be my new holiday baking project if I can bear to give it away.
J. Kaneko
...."a dear, sweet, engaging , and thoroughly TRUSTING little person he was"....
and STILL is.
Lynn you know him well, a precious soul that I indeed hope gets nurtured and encouraged
and loved every step of the way.
With a bribe like this bread
How could he not?
I'm just glad I didn't have to see him with his lower lip trembling.
Hi Molly! Max's story definitely tops Wyatts. Poor little guy!
i'm actually thinking about bringing something in to pippa's kindergarten teacher on the first day...this is thanks to your example. thanks for making me a more demonstrably thankful person. :)
This post is so heartbreaking for me. Next year will be our first kindergarten year and I hope I can handle it. I'm sure Luca will do better than I will with the separation. I love your posts Sarah. They are so inspiring. I'm glad you are my friend. Thank you for creating this blog. I'm making more of your muesli tonight-the kids love it. Although, Luca requests dried dates instead of cherries.
thanks for writing - I love your recipes but I have to admit I love your writing more :) Not really into the "mommy" sites, but you make me want to be a better mom and at the same time, reassure me that I'm not completely crazy. blessings on your family.
You just brought up a memory - we moved between kindergarten and Hannah's first grade. We moved during the summer and I had failed to update the contact cards for her new school - they had our old address and phone number.
On the first day home, Hannah got on the wrong bus, and after the last stop on that run, the bus driver looked back at a little girl, tears coming down her face saying that she has no idea where she is and that nothing looks familiar. The bus driver calls the school, who has no contact information for me! I felt like such a bad Momma!
Luckily, my sisters SIL happened to be walking by and said "Hannah I'll take you home!" She was so relieved to see a familiar face!
Now she is in college, but it still breaks my heart I wasn't there for her!
Love the bread - never thought of pear/poppy seed combo before!
Lovely little loaves, and an even lovelier story of your sweet little one dealing with a new school year. I raised three little guys, and just sent the last one off to college, but I remember things just like this like they happened yesterday. Aw...