BUTTERMILK CHOCOLATE BREAD WITH CHOCOLATE HONEY BUTTER

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup chopped pecans

Chocolate Honey Butter:

1/2 cup butter (no substitutions), softened

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp chocolate syrup

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition;. Combine the flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Fold in pecans.

Pour into a greased 9-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350-degrees for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the butter: In a small bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add honey and chocolate syrup; mix well, Serve with the bread.

Yield: 1 loaf bread and 1/2 cup butter

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