Apple Buttermilk Loaves

Ingredients

 * 3 cups flour
 * 1/2 teaspoon each baking powder and baking soda
 * 1/4 teaspoon salt
 * 1 cup butter or margarine
 * 1 cup each granulated and packed brown sugar
 * 3 eggs
 * 1 teaspoon vanilla
 * 3/4 cup buttermilk
 * 1 1/2 cups (about 1/2 lb. or 1 large) pared, cored and finely
 * chopped Rome Beauty apples
 * 1/2 cup nuts
 * 1 teaspoon grated orange peel

Directions
1.) Combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Set aside. Cream butter and sugars; beat in eggs one at a time and vanilla. Stir in buttermilk alternately with flour mixture. Fold in apples, nuts and orange peel. Pour into two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 5/8 - inch greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350° F. 50 to 60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack. Wrap and let stand overnight to allow flavors to blend. Makes two loaves.