Cherry Garcia Baked Bread

Bread is something I can’t refuse. Whether it’s french or buttered, slathered in garlic or jam, it’s my absolute favorite. Sweet baked breads are also up there on my favorites list. I’ll often make a classic banana bread with chocolate chips, however, the other day I decided to create a cherry garcia bread, simply inspired by one of my favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors. Sweet goodness, if only we all could eat Ben & Jerry’s for every meal! I have to admit though, this is a pretty good substitute. It’s so delicious and was quickly devoured only a few moments after being taken out of the oven.

• One jar of maraschino cherries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• Chocolate chips
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×5″ pan.
2. Remove cherries from the jar and slice them in halves.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. In a small mixing bowl, combine the oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Add in the sliced cherries and pour a splash of the cherry juice into the mixture.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients and mix them together. Add in one, two, or three ;-) handfuls of chocolate chips and stir.
6. Place the batter into the greased baking pan and bake in the oven for an hour, until the center is fully cooked.
7. Remove the bread from the oven and set it aside to cool. Enjoy.