Russian Honey and Dried Fruit Bread

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

2. 2

   In a small saucepan, heat the honey, bringing it just to the boiling point. Remove from heat and stir in the spices and baking soda. In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks and yogurt and beat together until smooth. Add the honey mixture and mix in thoroughly, then stir in the dried fruit and nuts.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the honey-nut mixture. Stir vigorously until thoroughly combined. Beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the batter. Pour into an oiled 9-by 5- by 3-inch loaf pan.

4. 4

   Bake for 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center tests clean. Cool on a rack, then cover tightly with foil to store.

5. 5

   Makes one loaf (recipe can easily be doubled).