Emerson said “the only true gift is a portion of thyself” and, with that pronouncement, the baking of gift breads was born.  The correlation might not be quite that exact, but homemade, edible presents are always welcomed.  Edibles take up little space and require no care or assembly.  What’s more, they bring immediate gratification and fond memories.

I say all this to note that I made a few loaves of zucchini-pineapple bread this weekend.  While the recipe promised two loaves, I got that much, plus enough for 18 mini-muffins.

This is such a simple, foolproof bread, I should make it more often.  If I can find my mini-loaf pans I might even make small loaves that freeze well and gift easily.  I’m thinking three different varieties would make a nice gift: the zucchini-pineapple bread, a cranberry, hmm. . . and perhaps a banana.

Baking is not only gratifying, it gives me a good excuse for putting off Christmas shopping.