Spicy Orange Honey Quick Bread

Preheat the oven to 300F. Line one 9-by-4-inch loaf pan (or two 6-by-2-inch loaf pans) with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, milk, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and star anise. Bring to a simmer, stirring to combine, then remove from the heat and allow to infuse for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, sift together both flours and the baking powder into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs with the spiced milk mixture, the vanilla extract, the orange zest, and the butter. Add to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Sprinkle with coconut and dried fruits. Bake for about one hour, until the bread/cake is deep golden and the blade of the knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool at least 30 minutes in the pan. Slice and serve with butter. You can store it in an airtime container for up to 5 days. This bread makes lovely bread pudding or French toast.