
My mom makes this every year at Christmas, and I've started carrying on her tradition. It's simple, sturdy and delicious, perfect for tucking into those holiday gift boxes that will soon make their way across the country.
Makes 1 regular loaf or 3 mini loaves
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup cooking oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup poppy seeds
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Grease with vegetable oil a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans (3 1/4-by-2 1/4).
Combine sugar, eggs, evaporated milk and cooking oil. Mix on medium speed of electric mixer until well-blended.
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to egg mixture. Mix a few minutes on low speed until smooth and thick. Add vanilla and poppy seeds. Mix until smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and bake about an hour, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes in pan before turning over and removing the loaves. Wrapped tightly in foil, the loaves keep for one week or can be frozen for up to three months.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.