4 c. unbleached white flour (or 2 1/2 c. white flour and 1 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour)
1/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. celery seeds
1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Dash of allspice
3 c. coarsely crumbled sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 lb.)
1 bunch green onions, including green tops, chopped (1/2 c. lightly packed)
1 egg
1 3/4 c. skim milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, thyme, celery seeds, pepper and allspice in large bowl. Add Cheddar cheese and green onions and toss to coat.

Beat egg with milk in separate bowl and pour into dry ingredients. Mix until just blended. Batter will be stiff. Spoon into 2 greased 9x5 inch loaf pans and let rise 10 minutes. Bake 45 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center of loaves comes out clean. Yield: 2 loaves.

Similar to a spicy cake but slightly less sweet, this loaf may be served like gingerbread with whipped cream. Pears can be substituted for apples if you omit the nutmeg and allspice and substitute 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger for the cinnamon.