Day 313: Cantaloupe Bread

I'm trying really hard not to complain.  I really am.  But it is FREEZING outside!  The last week I've been cooking in my garage because its been pouring rain.  Now today the forecast calls for snow.  Seriously?  I could have sworn that summer just started.  So think of me when your cooking dinner, because I'm probably freezing outside.  :)  But at least I have hot coals to keep me warm! 

But enough complaining.  I saw this recipe on the Internet the other day.  I really wish I had saved the site, because it was a great blog.  Unfortunately, I only jotted down this recipe.  Too bad I didn't find this one a few months ago when I had fresh cantaloupe from my garden.


Cantaloupe Bread
2 10" dutch ovens

2 cups cantaloupe, seeded and pureed (about half a large cantaloupe)
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Brown Sugar Praline Glaze:

1/2 cup butter
1 2/3 cups brown sugar1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla, and cantaloupe. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir flour mixture into cantaloupe mixture; stir to combine. Pour batter into 2 greased 10" dutch ovens.  Bake at 325° for 45 minutes to an hour, until a toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean.  Use 1 1/2 rings minus 1 or 2 coals (depending on outside air temperature) on top and 1 ring on the bottom.

Meanwhile combine butter and brown sugar in a small dutch oven over about 6 coals.  Mix in pecans if desired. Pour sauce over warm bread. Let cool for 1 hour before serving.  Makes 2 loaves.

The Finished Product

The Review

Wow this was moist.  The cantaloupe flavor was really subtle.  If you didn't know what was in it, you'd have a hard time pinning down what it was.  It has a really nice flavor though.  Easily as good as banana or zucchini bread.  It was fun because who would ever think of making cantaloupe bread?  I think its a keeper!  Grade B+.