Apple Bread, a Test Ride and a Blogger Lunch

May 18th, 2011

This has been a busy time for us.  David will be leaving on his motorcycle ride to Alaska at the end of the month.  I will be flying to Anchorage on June 9th to ride along with him.  He has been outfitting the bike for the last few months, so we decided that we needed to take a test ride to see if all of our gear and the two of us would fit.  We went with our riding friends Ron and Jackie on a weekend trip along The Blue Ridge Parkway.  I think we have worked out most of the kinks. It’s the human kinks we can’t work out.   It’s a shame that we can’t also give ourselves younger bodies that would allow us to get on and off the bike with ease and allow us to ride for hours without aches and pains.  I am also trying to figure out how to pack everything I will need in two soft saddle bags. I will be away for three weeks.   It’s not easy even though we are shipping my riding gear and helmet to our first hotel in Anchorage.

We spent the night at a quaint inn just off the parkway in Little Switzerland.  The Alpine Inn is run by Susan and Ron. Susan serves a delightful light breakfast in the morning.  She makes many varieties of sweet breads and she shared this apple bread recipe with me.  Each room at the inn has a panoramic view of the mountains from it’s balcony.  Breathtaking.

I baked this apple bread once already.  It is in the oven again.  The first time I made it, it did not cook enough and the middle was still soft.  The recipe says to cook it for 45 minutes but mine took 1 hour.  Be sure to test the center with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean.  The flavor of the bread is wonderful.  That is why I am making it again.  Tomorrow I am having a brunch for a visiting blogger,  Jane of Blondies Journal and my good buddy Penny from The Comforts of Home.  Jane and her husband are vacationing in Asheville.  Yesterday Penny (who lives in Asheville) and I had lunch with Jane at a restaurant in the downtown area.  It is always so much fun to put a face and personality to the wonderful bloggers that you love to read.  Since Jane and her husband have a summer place on a lake in Michigan, I thought it would be fun to show them Lake Lure.  We will all have brunch and then go for a boat ride around the lake.  Here we are at lunch yesterday.

I will try to take more pictures tomorrow.  But in the meantime, you can enjoy this bread along with us.

APPLE BREAD

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups self rising flour
1/8 cup buttermilk
2 cups chopped apples

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter a loaf pan.  Cream sugar and butter until smooth.  Add other ingredients except apples.  Mix well.  Fold in apples.  Bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Printable recipe

13 responses to “Apple Bread, a Test Ride and a Blogger Lunch”

  1. Rita says:

    Did I dream this of did you do go there last year Penny? I am amazed and admire you;wow! My poor body would be crying before I even got on the bike; love this easy apple cake recipe.
    Rita

  2. Gloria says:

    Penny I love your apple bread and I told you I love your kitchen?? gloria

  3. Susan says:

    Nice bread. Might put that away for the fall. Enjoy your blogger friends. I know what you mean about showing your age. As long as we still can walk and have a sense of humor, it’s a GO!!! Be safe.

  4. Lyla says:

    The bread looks so good that I can smell it from here. My niece lives in Anchorage with her husband. I wish there were a way you could connect for a bit. Love and don’t envy the trip because I couldn’t leave your beautiful Lake Lure–that said, my niece Jenna raves about the beauty of Alaska.

  5. I don’t know what a duvel bag is but I get the picture: not big!! How are you going to do it? I take my hat off to you! What fun it will be!
    Your recipe sounds good too so will give it a try – thanks!

  6. racheld says:

    What an adventure!!! Some of our distant family used to drive from PA all the way up the AL-Can and fish for salmon every other year. They drove so far, then took a little lake plane, then trekked in with their gear to the cabin for a month. And she was “allowed” to take one outfit for church, IF it would fit into an Oatmeal Box.

    I hope you have a GRAND time!!!

  7. I believe I’ve seen that inn when we were in Little Switzerland looking for property several years go. The views are gorgeous. You feel like you’re on top of the world.

    I don’t know how you’ll get everything in two little bags. My face takes up one bag. LOL

    What fun to have lunch with friends. Your apple bread sounds delicious, especially for our unusual cool weather we’re having. Have fun up north and stay safe.
    Sam

  8. That bread looks and sounds wonderful!! I had a great time yesterday and Kent and I are looking forward to tomorrow.
    Hugs,
    Penny

  9. Penny says:

    Hi all. Seasonal cook, I meant duffle bag, but
    David said it was a soft saddle bag. You are right; something soft and not big enough. What about a hair dryer or a curling iron? It will be a challenge. But I am up to it.

  10. Pondside says:

    It’s always fun to meet another blogger – and to try out a new restaurant or recipe.
    Now I’m going to dash back to my emails to find out exactly when you’re coming through here…..

  11. WOW, I am so impressed that your husband and you will be taking this motorcyle trip! Have a wonderful time – Godspeed!
    Best,
    Gloria
    P.S. Your apple cake looks delicious and nice photo from your lunch!

  12. The apple cake was the best, Penny, I had seconds! Thanks for such a wonderful time today…we loved meeting David! We will get together soon, I hope!

    XO,
    Jane

  13. Kate says:

    This would be perfect to have in the morning! Cake for breakfast is okay, isn’t it?!

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