Coconut Bread (Guyana -- Caribbean)

Description: This recipe comes from the internet website recipeisland.com. [NOTE: On 29 June 2009 I edited the ingredients, changing the pounds & ounces of flour & sugar to cups.]

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces dried fruit (or raisins)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 lb margarine, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 small coconut, grated (about 2 cups)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F & grease two 9-inch loaf pans.
2. In a small bowl, add dried fruit & 1/4 cup of the 4 cups of flour, then strain flour into a large bowl, leaving the dried fruit coated with a bit of flour. Set the dried fruit aside.
3. In that same large bowl, add the rest of the flour then whisk together the flour, baking powder & salt, before adding the sugar, beaten egg, milk, melted margarine, vanilla extract & coconut milk, whisking to combine well.
4. Stir in the grated coconut & dried fruit, blending well. If necessary, knead briefly on a floured surface.
5. Cut dough in half & shape each half into loaves, & placing them in the prepared loaf pans.
6. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown.