Sweeten your healthy resolutions with Orange Pecan Loaf

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthier, this recipe for Orange Pecan Loaf is a good start and can help wean us from our “sugar overload” of the holidays.

This loaf contains no butter or shortening. With only 1/2 cup of Splenda, the buttermilk and low fat milk, this Orange Pecan Loaf is actually a healthy treat. If you choose to use a glaze, you are adding to the calorie count. The glaze recipe below is enough for one loaf or three mini-loaves.

The recipe came from my sister Becky. She likes to make the mini-loaves and always passes on some of the treats. We had some of the mini-loaves at Christmas, which is when I found they were actually on the healthy side, so, thanks, Becky!

Good luck with all your New Year resolutions.

Orange Pecan Loaf

1/2 cup Splenda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 3/4 cups plain (all purpose) flour

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted if preferred

3 Tbsp. low fat milk

3 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil

2 eggs

1/4 cup orange marmalade

3 tsp. orange zest

Combine dry ingredients, except for the Splenda in a large bowl, making a well in the center. Combine the Splenda with the remainder of ingredients, stirring well.

Pour into the well in the flour mixture, stirring just until moistened.

Pour into a 8” x 4” loaf pan or 3 miniature loaf pans, which have been coated with any non-stick cooking spray.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean. Let cool for a few minutes, then remove from pan to cool on a wire rack. Let cool completely.

Orange Pecan Glaze

1/3 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. orange flavoring or orange juice

2 tsp. toasted chopped pecans

Blend sugar, lemon juice and orange flavoring. Drizzle over top of loaf. Sprinkle with toasted pecans.