Since Barb had already given this mix a successful trial as muffins, I decided to throw caution to the wind, and make quick bread!  With the Classic Blueberry Muffin & Quick Bread Mix first on my husband’s request list, I headed into the kitchen to do some baking.  Really, it wasn’t much of a “baking” experience in the traditional sense.  Add water and oil, stir and pour into the pan, doesn’t quite constitute a true kitchen adventures … but hey, in and out of the kitchen in five minutes with only a bowl and a spoon dirtied, who am I to complain? 

The box stated to use an 8 x 4 loaf pan, which seemed like a small one, and certainly not one I had on hand.  I think mine was an 8 x 5”, so the loaf was a little bit squat in size.  Honestly, as you can see from the pictures, it baked perfectly and rose more than enough for plenty of edible enjoyment.

After snapping a few photos I presented my husband with a slice, set mine on my desk, and went to grab a glass of water.  I returned with my glass of water (honestly, not ten seconds later) and my husband was scraping the last crumbs into his mouth!!!  Of course, he asked for another slice.  Okay, his vote was cast, now for my opinion…

It was quite good, but definitely a dessert-like treat than a virtuous breakfast. It reminded me greatly of the jumbo fresh baked blueberry muffins they made in my high school cafeteria (yes, way back in that day when the cafeteria actually baked things!).  Each bite was delightfully sweet, though too sweet for my everyday “grown-up” breakfast; I was glad that I was trialing it as a teatime snack first. 

The blueberries were small, but they packed a nice berry punch to give the bread some identity.  The bread had a very moist and tender crumb, just a touch messy, the way I like it, yet its egg-free nature was not nearly as finicky as a gluten free baked good.  After one bite, I rushed back to the kitchen to add a pat of the light Smart Balance (the dairy-free one of course!).  As expected, it was the perfect background for that buttery taste.  I finalized my tasting experience with the top crust.  It had formed a lightly crisp, sugary crust … yum!  Seriously, I couldn’t imagine a single child turning a Meraby’s muffin or slice of bread down!

My Extra Notes & Tips:

• Meraby is a food allergy friendly company.  Their mixes are touted as peanut, tree nut, dairy, egg, and soy free.
• The blueberries actually came in their own fresh canister.  The drained blueberry juice makes a great addition to smoothies.
• I also had the chance to trial the Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Mix.

Where to Purchase: Meraby's is a brand new product, so they are just starting up distribution.  Check the Meraby's website to find out how to get your hands on these mixes!

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