Grandma Mackay's Cranberry Bread

Directions

Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃).

Grease the bottom, but not the sides, of two small loaf pans or a regular loaf pan.

In a large bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt).

Blend very well.

Mix together the orange juice, orange peel, melted shortening and beaten egg.

Mix only enough to blend uniformly.

Mix in the cranberries and the nuts if using, stir gently.

Pour the mixture into the loaf pans.

Push it to the corners, leaving the center slightly hollow.

Bake about an hour at 350℉ (180℃).

The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool completely before cutting.

Do not try to serve warm.