Missouri - Black Walnut Quick Bread

The state of Missouri is the biggest producer of black walnuts in the United States. Make this yummy quick bread using black walnuts.

The state of Missouri is said to have been named after the Missouri Indians. Missouri became called the Show Me State in 1899. The only other state to have more farms than Missouri is Texas. Missouri is also known for producing beef cattle, hogs, turkeys, and dairy products. In addition to black walnuts Missouri also grows corn and apples.

Make this yummy quick bread using black walnuts.

Gather these ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 5 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted margarine
• 1 cup chopped black walnuts

Here’s what to do:

1. Turn oven on to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan with vegetable oil cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl sift the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Break the eggs into a medium bowl, and then whisk them together with the milk, vanilla extract and the melted margarine.
5. Now pour the egg mixture from the medium bowl into the large bowl with the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon just until all the dry ingredients are moist.
6. Fold in the walnuts.
7. Pour into the greased pan

Bake 1 hour or until it tests done by inserting a toothpick in near the center and seeing if it comes out clean. When it is done remove it from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before tipping out of the pan onto a clean cloth on the kitchen counter.

These is a great cake alone without frosting, but go ahead and try this if you have a sweet tooth. (this makes enough to cover two loaves)

Black Walnut Butter Cream Frosting

Gather these ingredients:

• 7 fresh egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 pound butter
• 3 oz. black walnuts, chopped fine

Follow these directions :

1. In a tall bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy.
2. Mix sugar and water in a medium sized sauce pan.
3. Use a candy thermometer and heat to 240 degrees F.
4. Very slowly pour the sugar mixture into egg whites while beating with a hand mixer.
5. Whip until cooled.
6. Add butter in chunks until the butter is completely mixed in.
7. Fold in black walnuts.

Spoon on top of the loaves and spread it or let it drizzle.

Missouri
Capital: Jefferson City
Other Major Cities: Kansas City, and St. Louis
State Bird: Bluebird
State Tree: Flowering Dogwood
State Flower: Hawthorn