Butterscotch Poppy Seed Bread

I enjoy giving gifts from the kitchen. Who doesn't like homemade goodies? And, unlike knickknacks, you don't even have to dust them!

Even if your gift recipients don't want to eat the goodies themselves, they can share with family or friends during the holidays.

Back when my grandparents were alive, I often made mini loaves of quick breads to give as Christmas gifts (along with individual casseroles and other food items). They could stick them in the freezer and pull them out for a sweet treat.

I started working on the project early in December, so I could have lots of variety and lots of little treats to give them.

One of my Grandpa Neelly's favorites was a Butter Brickle Bread. Because it starts with a cake mix, it's quick and easy to do. But when you add all the extras, it doesn't taste like a cake mix.

It's always good to have some gifts on hand to reciprocate when you receive an unexpected present. If you have several different varieties stashed in the freezer, you can offer several different quick breads in a decorative basket or other container.

Decorate a bag with holiday stickers for a festive touch. Or you can even bake them in disposable foil pans with a lid. Tie with holiday ribbon and you have a ready-made gift - extra special because it's from your kitchen!

Randy would also tell you it's good for breakfast - whether it's the holidays or not. Enjoy!

Butter Brickle Bread

1 box butter brickle cake mix
1 pkg. instant coconut pudding mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup hot water
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 cup poppy seeds
1/4 cup chopped nuts (I used pecans)

Mix dry ingredients, then oil, eggs and hot water. Lastly, add poppy seeds, nuts and vanilla. Mix for 2 minutes with mixer. Pour into greased loaf pans (2 large or about 4 small). For large pans, bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees, then reduce heat to 300 and bake for an additional 45 minutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly when using smaller pans. Bake until pick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

It is sometimes hard to find a butter brickle cake mix. I have also used a butter pecan mix. I have also substituted butterscotch pudding instead of the coconut pudding if that's what I have on hand.