Beer Bread

Makes 6-8 servings

Below are three variations, including Apple, Cheddar, and Rosemary Beer Bread pictured above.

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 (12-ounce) bottle beer, preferably dark, such as porter or stout (don't use light beer)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat and 8-by-4-inch or 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients. Pour into pan. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until top is golden broan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely.

Variations: 
Cheddar-Dill Beer Bread:
Stir 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill (or 1-2 tablespoons dried dill) into the batter.

Caramelized Onion-Cheddar-Sage Bread:
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add onions, and cook 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar. Reduce heat to low, and cook 12-15 minutes, or until dark and caramelized. Stir into batter along with 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage, about 4-5 leaves.

Apple, Cheddar, and Rosemary Beer Bread:
1 medium crisp, slightly sweet apple, such as Fuji or Braeburn, peeled and diced. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add apples, and cook 3 minutes until just softened and lightly browned. Stir into batter along with 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and 1 1/2-2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary or 2-3 teaspoons dried rosemary).

 

- Susan Russo