(Don’t-Tell-Em-There’s-Celery-in-It) Nut Bread

Author Notes

Okay, this is why there are test kitchens. And leftovers. And moments of inspiration when you decide to empty the crisper in the refrigerator. It's anyone's guess why one would add butter, sugar, flour and eggs to a perfectly nutritious and diet-friendly vegetable like celery. But here goes.

In the spirit of the challenge to find new and surprising ways to star celery in an original recipe, my sister, Susan, tested the odd but plausible mix of ingredients below. Think of it as banana bread without bananas. Applesauce bread without apples. According to my sister, her surprise celery bread was a big hit with neighbors in Rosedale, Florida. My version - with orange, star anise and pistachios - is in the oven at present. Rising nicely to the occasion. I offer it here, with no promises, but that I will add my own two cents and photography by midnight. (Maybe) —Vivian Henoch