Fresh Strawberry Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Pour pureed strawberries into a small saucepan.
2. 2
   Heat to boiling over medium heat and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly; cool.
3. 3
   In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar, shortening and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. 4
   Combine remaining dry ingredients.
5. 5
   Alternately add flour mixture and water to creamed mixture, mixing at low speed.
6. 6
   Stir in pureed strawberries.
7. 7
   Blend well, so that there are no patches of white batter, but be careful not to overmix, or bread will be tough.
8. 8
   Fold in nuts, if using.
9. 9
   Put batter in a 9x5 loaf pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray, or into two 1-lb pans.
10. 10
    Bake at 350 for about 1 hour (45-50 minutes for the smaller pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. 11
    Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
12. 12
    Mellow bread by wrapping in foil and freezing or storing at room temperature for 24 hours.
13. 13
    IMPORTANT: Don't skip this step.
14. 14
    This bread is pretty tasteless right out of the oven.
15. 15
    A definite case of what a difference a day makes.