Monday, December 9, 2013

Lemon, Lavender, and Poppy Seed Loaf

Dried lavender adds a floral note to this sweet, fragrant bread that begs to be enjoyed with a cup of warm tea.
For the bread




  • 1 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened




  • 9 oz. (2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for the pan




  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar




  • 4 tsp. poppy seeds




  • 1 Tbs. dried lavender




  • 1 Tbs. baking powder




  • 3/4 tsp. table salt




  • 1 cup whole milk




  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature




  • 1 Tbs. finely grated fresh lemon zest




  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract




  • 4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled



For the glaze




  • 4 oz. (1 cup) confectioners’ sugar, sifted if lumpy






  • 4 tsp. fresh lemon juice; more as needed




Make the bread

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Butter and then flour the bottom and sides of a 6-cup (8-1/2 x 4-1/2-inch or 9 x 5-inch) loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour.


In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, lavender, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well blended.


In a medium bowl, combine the milk, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Whisk until blended. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold until blended.


Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.


Bake, rotating halfway through, until the top is golden and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes.


Let cool in the pan on a rack for 30 minutes. Invert the bread and remove the pan, turn the bread right side up, and let cool completely.



Glaze the bread

In a small bowl, stir the confectioners’ sugar and the lemon juice until smooth, adding more juice, 1 tsp. at a time, until the glaze is just pourable. Drizzle the bread with the glaze and let it set for 30 minutes. Store, covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days.


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