Lemon Tea Bread

**Note: I made this a second time with some alterations and it was even better. Omit the almond extract and instead add the juice of one lemon and 1 tsp. of lemon extract. If you like a more tart and lemony flavor, this will do it!**

 

I wanted to make something fast and easy and was limited on ingredients. I found this recipe in the book "Classic Southern Desserts" and it turned out to be delicious. Michael really loved it. It has a light, delicate flavor, very subtle. Needless to say, it did not last long!

 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon rind, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Preparation

• Beat softened butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
• Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beating at low speed just until blended, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon rind and almond extract. Spoon batter into greased and floured 8- x 4-inch loaf pan.
• Bake at 350° for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center of bread comes out clean. Let cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and cool completely on a wire rack.
• Stir together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth; spoon evenly over top of bread, letting excess drip down sides. Stir together remaining 1 tablespoon lemon rind and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; sprinkle on top of bread.
  

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy