It’s our anniversary – the years just seem to have flown by. I guess that’s a good sign of a happy marriage. Since my husband is still recovering from getting new knees, friends and family are keeping him well supplied with cookies, cake and chocolate.
I thought this morning I would surprise him with a treat that isn’t sweet but includes 3 of his favorite things, bacon, cheese, and beer, plus a tiny touch of honey. You’ve probably all been making beer bread for years. It’s pretty easy to mix up self -rising flour with your favorite brew, bake it for 30 minutes, and call it a day. Maybe you’ve even thrown in a little cheese, but I truly believe the bacon takes this to a whole new playing field. It’s ridiculously easy. The trick to very crispy bits of bacon is to cut it in little pieces with your kitchen shears cook it over lower heat. I know it’s tempting to use high heat and rush it along, but some pieces will burn and some will be fatty. It’s worth the wait. After that you just mix everything up, pour it in a bread pan, pop it in the oven, and enjoy how amazing it smells. I know butter seems a touch decadent, but just a little spread on warm bread topped with Green Door Gourmet Frog Jam (if you are lucky enough to have any) is my idea of heaven. Need I mention that leftover bread makes amazing sandwiches, avocado, egg salad – the sky’s the limit. Don’t wait for an anniversary, bake some Happy Anniversary Bread – it bound to make a happy day, anniversary or not!
Bacon, Cheese, and Beer Bread – aka- Happy Anniversary Bread
Ingredients
3 pieces thick bacon, chopped in small pieces and fried until crispy and drained
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 egg
3 Tbsp honey
12 oz favorite beer
¼ tsp black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 375.
Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Add, cheese, egg, honey, beer, and pepper – mix well to combine.
Stir in bacon.
Pour mixture into prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until lightly browned.
Cool on a rack in pan for 5 minutes.
Remove from pan.
Try to wait at least 10 more minutes before you slice it! Enjoy!
