Orange Cream Cheese Bread

Awhile ago, I was craving some orange bread.  I tried making a yeast bread and adding orange to it.  It was okay, but didn't quite have the flavor I was looking for.  Then I found this quick bread recipe and thought I would give it a whirl.  I LOVED it!  It was moist, had a hint of orange, but not over powering, and wasn't overly sweet.  I will definitely be making this, over and over and over and over.

8oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. shortening

1 2/3 c. sugar

2 eggs

2 1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tbsp. baking powder (yes, tablespoon)

1 c. milk

2 tbsp. orange zest

 Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease and flour 2 8 1/2 in x 4 1/2 in bread pans.  Combine cream cheese and shortening and cream until well combined.  Gradually add in sugar.  Add in eggs, one at a time and mix until well combined.  Add in flour, baking powder, and salt.  Gradually mix in the milk.  Mix until well combined.  Stir in orange zest.  Pour into pans.  Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing.

I think next time I make it I may try and substitute yogurt for the shortening to make it a bit healthier.  I also baked mine in the size smaller loaf pans and it cooked in about 40 minutes.