Most quick bread recipes will call for the traditional 9"x5" loaf pans, OR standard size bread pans - 8-1/2" x 4-1/2" - according to the recipe instructions. These pans are not interchangeable because they do not hold the same amount of batter. I personally don't like 9x5 pans for quick breads because the large slices tend to split when being cut into thin slices, and the serving sizes of the breads baked in a 9x5 pan are generally much larger than I'd like to serve. I use a pan called a Danish Loaf Pan (also called a Tea Loaf Pan) that holds the same amount of batter as the 9x5 pan but is 12"x4". The longer, narrower loaf is much easier to cut into easy-to-manage playing card size slices. You can also cut very thin slices and they will hold together nicely with the narrower breads. Using the Danish Loaf Pan, the quick bread also bakes in 25% less time than when using a 9x5 pan. You can also use this pan for 2-pounds of yeast bread dough if you would like small bread slices for serving sandwiches. Once again, it's easy to slice the bread into very thin slices. It's also a nice size to use half the loaf and freeze the other half of the loaf. I also like to divide a quick bread recipe into smaller pans (7-1/2"x3-1/2" or 5-3/4"x3-3/4" or 4-1/2"x2-1/2") and use these loaf pans for holiday gift-giving sizes, or when I want to use one and freeze the rest. Quick breads can be baked in a wide variety of pans, including Bundt pans, muffin pans, mini-loaf pans, springform pans, disposable aluminum foil pans, 1- and 2-quart fluted tin molds with clip lids for making steamed breads, coffee and soup cans..... The rule of thumb is to fill pans no more than half to two-thirds full, leaving room for expansion. If you are substituting another shape, make certain the pan holds the same volume of batter. You can do that by measuring how much water each pan/container holds. If it's a springform pan, then measure how much rice it holds since a springform pan won't hold water. Adjust baking time accordingly if altering the pan size from the original recipe. I wrap quick breads tightly in plastic wrap (no plate). If freezing, I wrap them in plastic wrap and then wrap them in foil. I think acidic ingredients, as well as nuts and fruits in quick breads tend to react to foil and get a metalic taste, so I never use foil directly in contact with the quick bread. I think you'll get the same texture using a Tupperware storage container that you get when using your wrapped plate method. You have too much air circulating around the quick bread, which quickly dries the bread out. A close wrap, such as plastic wrap around the bread loaf itself, will solve the problem of all the moisture in the loaf migrating to the crust of the loaf and then expelling into the Tupperware container. -Grainlady

Oops, it's Butterscotch, not Vanilla pudding. Natal, I just have this fear of the loaves falling over without a baking sheet, even though I've done it before but not the amount I plan to bake. Okay, no baking sheet then. Bumble, they're quick breads. Here's the recipe for the Pumpkin Bread courtesy of Kraft Magazine. I bet the texture of this is dreamy! Pumpkin Bread 2 1/2 c. Flour 2 t. Baking Soda 1/2 t. Salt 1 t. Cinnamon 1 t. Nutmeg 1 sm. box Instant Lemon Pudding Mix 1 sm. box Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix 1 c. chopped Pecans 1 15oz. can Solid Pack Pumpkin 2 c. Sugar 1 1/2 c. Vegetable Oil 5 Eggs In large bowl mix first 8 ingredients and set aside. In separate bowl, mix Pumpkin and remaining 3 ingredients until smooth. Combine both mixtures and pour into greased loaf pans. (Makes 16 mini pans) Preheat oven to 350 and bake for approximately (mini pans) 20-25 min. Larger loaf pans will take longer to bake.

It really will depend on the recipe. If you're making a yeast bread you'll have a cold cast iron pan and there's going to be a certain amount of time for the pan itself to absorb heat. Once the heat is absorbed it will brown beautifully and you will find the bread has a wonderful crust. But for a quick bread (i.e. cornbread) you can preheat the pan if you wish. That will give you a quick burst of heat and faster results. You're just going to have to play with the pan and make notes per each recipe until you get a sense of how the pan works for your favorites. Carol

I have a Bundt cake recipe with chopped apricots and it's one of my favorites. It's called orange apricot yogurt bread. Nice for summer. I've found another recipe from the Boston Globe. The ratios look better than the other ones and I'm gong to substitute chopped chocolate for the blueberries and use a ganache glaze. Blueberry Buttermilk Tea Cake 2 1/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup fresh blueberries, picked over 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 cup buttermilk Confectioners’ sugar (for sprinkling) 1. Set the oven at 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan. Dust the pan with flour, tapping out the excess. 2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to blend them. 3. In another bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 teaspoon of the flour mixture. 4. In an electric mixer at medium speed, beat the butter for 2 minutes. Add the sugar in two additions, beating for 1 minute after each. Blend in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla. 5. With the mixer set on low speed, beat in half of the flour mixture, then the buttermilk, then the remaining flour mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula once or twice. 6. Remove the bowl from the mixer stand. With a large rubber spatula fold in the blueberries and any excess flour in the bowl. 7. Spoon the batter into the loaf pan, mounding it slightly in the center. Bake the cake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake is clean when withdrawn. 8. Set the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Turn the cake out of the pan and return the cake to the rack to cool. Dust the top with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into slices with a serrated knife. Lisa Yockelson