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Late April and early May is Strawberry Season in Texas – there are lots of Strawberry Festivals held around the state to celebrate the first fruits of the coming summer.

This wonderfully delicious sweet bread uses frozen strawberries, so it can be made any time of the year, but I thought it would be nice to honor their annual debut by posting this recipe now.

This makes a wonderful gift to give friends and family at Christmas, and it is always a hit at holiday parties!
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Strawberry Bread

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3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
2-10 oz. pkgs. frozen sliced strawberries (do not drain; add juice to batter)
1 1/4 c. oil
1 1/4 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Mix dry ingredients together.
Mix remaining ingredients and add to dry ingredients; stir carefully.
Turn batter into 2 greased loaf pans.
Bake at 350F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until knife comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes; turn out onto cooling racks.

This recipe makes 2 large loaves or 3 small loaves (it rises quite a bit while cooking)

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