Orange Cream Cheese Bread

This orange quick bread reminds us of a super-rich lb cake with a subtle orange flavour. The loaf is super moist and tender - almost has a creamy texture. Nuts add a little texture and feel free to add more if you love nutty bread. Drizzling orange juice on the top crust was our favourite part.

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
½ cup shortening
1 2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2¼ cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 cup milk
½ cup walnuts, chopped
2 Tbsp. orange peel, freshly grated
¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5). Grease and flour 2 (8½x4½x3") loaf pans.

Combine cream cheese and shortening, creaming well. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating well after each addition.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with milk.

Alternate milk and flour mixture ending with flour mixture. Mix well after each addition.

Stir in walnuts and orange peel. Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake for about 55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Then sprinkle orange juice over loaves.

Remove to wire rack to finish cooling.

Makes 2 loaves.