Baking with Basil

I remember the first time I tried beer bread was at a Tastefully Simple party.  It was soo good.  So when found this recipe in my old trusty Better Homes and Gardens cookbook I made it immediately.  I think I ate the first loaf  in like 3 days.  Brent may have helped a little, but it was mostly me.  I couldn’t resist this cheesy and slightly spicy bread.

I have made this recipe sooo many times since then.  It’s always a hit at parties or at work…..I usually come home with an empty bowl.  One thing I love about this recipe is how quick and easy it is.  It only takes about 15 minutes to measure and combine all ingredients.  This would be a perfect dish for those college bowl games coming up!!  Anyone else sad that football season is nearing the end.  I can’t believe it’s the 3rd week of November already.  Crazy!

The star of the show:

Cheese and Beer Bread

Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp sugar

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp dried oregano, crushed

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dried basil or marjoram, crushed

1 – 12 oz can beer

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp chopped, seeded jalapeno (optional – I always use it)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease the bottom and sides of a 8x4x2 inch or 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, oregano, baking soda, salt, and basil or marjoram.  Add the beer, cheddar cheese, and jalapeno.  Stir just until combined (batter should be lumpy).

Spoon batter into the prepared pan.  Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes or till golden.  Cool in a pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan.  Serve warm or cool completely on rack.

Southwestern Dip

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup light sour cream

1 1/2 – 2 tbsp Fiesta Party Dip Mix (mine is from Tastefully Simple but I’m sure any dry packaged southwestern dip mix would be good)

Combine ingredients, blend well.  Chill for 2 hours.  The flavor really comes out the long it’s chilled.