My mom has been making these apple loaves for years; many times in muffin form.  In fact, in the late 80s when computers weren't all that they are today, my dad built my mom a simple program for her to store and type up her recipes.  You know the recipes are family favorites when she has to get out the old program and find the ingredients!  All of our favorites are on there including Mom's Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.

Whenever I'm in need of a little comforting, this is the recipe I pull out (especially in autumn).  It warms the kitchen, wafting delicious apple and cinnamon smells through the house.  And, you bite into it and it tastes like home to me.  So, when Mom gave me these little loaf pans, I couldn't wait to make some mini loaves in them.  They are perfect for transporting so it is perfect for John to bring with him on the go!

I like to make these in muffins (it usually makes 24 large muffins), but we also often make it into loaves.  Mom makes probably two dozen after we go apple picking.  They are perfect for freezing and get defrosted for special guests, given to friends and family, and eaten throughout the fall and winter (of course!).  This makes two loaves.  Mom often doubles it; but beware, it is difficult to stir.  It is a very thick dough.  Also, we hardly ever really measure the apples.  Mom and I both just dump in whatever we have on hand that we've already chopped.  Usually more than suggested.  Never less!

Apple Chocolate Chip Loaf
Serves:  2 large loaves (12 hungry people)
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups chopped apples (peeled)
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Mix together the flour, sugar, oil, eggs, cinnamon, baking soda, and vanilla.  Mix well.  Mix very well.  Stir in the chopped apples and chocolate chips.  Pour into two greased loaf pans.  Bake for about 35-45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

The apple part is the hardest.  Peeling, coring, and chopping the apples is never a fun chore in our kitchen.  But when this loaf is the resulting prize, the chore never seems so bad!

Until the next time my oven is on...