"Your taste buds will sing like a chorus of elated elves after biting into this delectable start to any holiday morning or tailgate. "
3/4 cup fresh pecan pieces, place ¼ cup aside
1 ¾ cups light spelt or whole wheat pastry flour (or unbleached, all-purpose flour or combination of all-purpose & whole wheat)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2/3 cup coconut sugar or light or dark brown sugar (to taste)
2 oranges, zest and juice only (about 1/2 cup juice)
6 tablespoons pecan or vegetable oil (such as safflower, grapeseed, coconut or refined avocado)
1/2 cup cold water
Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly oil a rectangular loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour(s), baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and sugar.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the orange zest, juice, oil, and water. Add these wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just evenly combined (a few clumps are fine). Fold in 1/2 cup of pecan pieces.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf, then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of pecan pieces on top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan, then transfer onto a wire rack. Allow to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.