Blueberry-Orange Bread Recipe ~ My Sweetheart's Favorite ~ #ValentinesDay

With Valentine's Day coming up fast, I think back to the year I met my husband. We actually met three days after Valentine's Day, which I spent alone. Remember thinking that there wasn't anyone I was compatible with in my small town, and wondering if I would ever meet someone who was right for me. Unlike other times I have questioned life's circumstances, I received my answer FAST!

A friend of mine that I had worked with was transferred to a location in a different city to work late nights, and she showed up at my house one morning {at 6:30 in morning I might add!!!} right after getting off work. She came in my bedroom and woke me up, {my roommate had let her in}. She asked if I would like to meet a guy who had just moved to Indiana from Missouri that she had met at work who she "just knew" would be "perfect" for me. I said, "Sure I would love to meet him if he is as perfect for me as you say."

What happened next shocked me beyond words, but now just makes me smile at the memory. She yelled my future husband's name and for him to come here. Keep in mind that I was in my pajamas, in bed, half asleep, and I have naturally curly hair that looks crazy when I wake up!!! Not a great way to make a good first impression!!!! This wasn't exactly what I had pictured when she asked if I wanted to meet him. Then around the corner looking so cute, and slightly embarrassed, walked in a guy that has been my everything for the last 17 years.

Love my Man bunches, and something I love to do on Valentine's Day is make him his favorite desserts. This is one of our shared favorites ~ Blueberry-Orange Bread! It is delicious for a breakfast treat or dessert too.

 I would LOVE to hear how you met your special someone, and if you have a shared favorite dessert or special meal you both enjoy together -just leave me comment sharing your story.

Happy Valentine's Day 2014!!!! ~ Amanda

Blueberry-Orange Bread
makes 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 Tablespoons Butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 

1. Grease the bottom and sides of a 8x4x2 loaf pan. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

2. In a large bowl- stir together the first four ingredients. Set aside.

3. In a medium bowl. combine the egg, sugar, OJ, and vanilla. Then in a separate bowl stir together the boiling water and butter. Add the butter/water mixture to the OJ mixture.

4. Add the OJ mixture to the dry ingredients. Stirring just until moistened.

5. Fold in your blueberries, and pour into the prepared loaf pan.

6. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center pulls out clean.

7. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and place loaf on wire rack. Eat and enjoy, or you can wrap in aluminum foil and store overnight in the refrigerator.

~Sometimes I like to cut the bread slices up into strips to go along with breakfast, or take as a dessert to a family dinner. *Note slicing into appetizer or finger food strips is best done, after chilling in the refrigerator overnight. Stays together easier for me.

~Here are some other great 
Valentine's Day Recipes and Posts!

My Un-Entitled Life has a very simple 2 ingredient Valentine's Day Fudge recipe.
Looking to add a spark to an evening with your special someone? Check out Date Night Reloaded: Jazzing Up the Dinner Date from Oh Wholly Life. 
Need some great gift ideas? Giveaways 4 Mom has compiled a list of great Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Men.
Love is in the air on Pickles and Peppers! Check out her post on a variety of different ideas to not only save money on Valentine's Day but also a link to some craft ideas for the kiddos.