Apple-cheddar-thyme quick bread

I'll be starting all my posts off now with the bad photo apology as I'm still dealing with camera issues.... But, I couldn't let the opportunity to post this bread recipe during apple season slip by - this quick bread is too delicious to not share. It's like a slice of autumn. I've been making it to serve along side of soups like cream of cauliflower and split pea now that it is getting cold here. This bread has a lovely sweet and savory flavor combination with pretty flecks of apple and thyme throughout the loaf and in each slice. It creates a wonderful fall aroma in your home while it bakes. My ten-year old cousin and my mom loved it when we had them over for dinner recently. I think it would be a great Thanksgiving dinner bread as the flavors compliment turkey and fall vegetables very nicely. 

I adapted this recipe from this one over at Gimme Some Oven. This recipe will make one 9" loaf of quick bread. 

Apple-cheddar-thyme quick bread
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup whole milk
1 cup lightly packed unpeeled grated apple (preferably a sweet variety)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly butter the loaf pan.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. 

Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs and milk. Use a wooden spoon to mix in the flour mixture until almost combined and then stir in the apple, cheddar, and thyme until just combined.

Spread the batter into the loaf pan in an even layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread cool before slicing, but the bread is best served still slightly warm.

What was I cooking one year ago?: pumpkin gingerbread cookies
Two years ago?: smoked paprika & maple glazed delicata squash
Three?: ginger-clementine cranberry sauce
4?: Tex-Mex turkey-stuffed baked winter squash