Barlowgirl
<p>There are endless flavor variations of beer bread possible; simply add whatever you desire to the basic dry mix. Try experimenting with different beers and ales, too. A darker beer will give you a deeper flavor, although you run the risk of a bitter aftertaste. You can even make it with non-alcoholic beer.</p>
10
45
8
Basic Beer Bread Mix:
3
cups
all-purpose flour
1
Tablespoon
granulated sugar
1
teaspoon
salt
1
Tablespoon
baking powder (make sure it's fresh!)
12
ounces
beer
Add-ins:
2
Tablespoons
chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1
cup
finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
Optional glaze (beaten together):
1
egg
2
teaspoons
water
<p>Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and add-ins in a large mixing bowl. Slowly stir in beer and mix just until combined. Batter will be thick. Spread in a greased 8-inch loaf pan, brush with egg glaze if desired, and bake until golden brown and a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.</p>
<p>Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool 10 more minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.</p>
<p>Flavor Variations for Add-ins:</p>
<p>Garlic & Herb: Add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 2 minced garlic cloves (or 1 teaspoon garlic flakes) to the basic mix. For fresh herbs, use 1 chopped Tablespoon of each.</p>
<p>Dill & Chive: Add 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill) and 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives to the basic mix.</p>
<p>Rosemary & Feta (courtesy of my bread baking pal, Beth): Add 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary and 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 4 ounces) to the basic mix.</p>
<p>Italian: Add 1 teaspoon each dried basil and oregano (or 1 Tablespoon each chopped fresh basil and oregano), 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan or romano cheese to the basic mix.</p>
<p>Other Additions: Any dried or fresh herbs; 1/2 cup freshly grated asiago (or other hard cheese); 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped scallions; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or 1/2 cup oats in place of 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour. Or practically anything else you can think of—just use your imagination.</p>
1.15167
2008-12-21 12:37:40 UTC