Orange Quick Bread

1 medium orange
orange juice -- if needed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar -- plus 2 tablespoons, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons baking powder
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 teaspoon milk


Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Oil two 8 X 5 inch loaf pans. Wash orange, cut into quarters and remove seeds (do not peel). Place into a food processor or blender and process until pureed. Add orange juice if necessary to measure 1 cup. In a medium bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Add oil and beat 1 minute. Add orange puree and stir to combine.

In another bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the evaporated milk and vanilla to the egg mixture beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing well. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Let batter rest for 20 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over each loaf. Bake for 20 minutes. Score the top of each loaf lengthwise with a sharp knife. Reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake another 40 minutes. Bread is done when a cake tester inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. Remove from heat and let bread rest 20 minutes before turning out of pans.


Serving Ideas : Wonderful served with coffee or tea.

NOTES : This batter can be divided among 5 mini bread pans and baked for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.