This delicious bread makes for a perfect gift, but is so good, you may not want to share the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F. Grease a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar. Beat in the remaining ingredients in the order listed. Pour the mix into the pan and bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

2. Let the loaf cool for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Meanwhile, mix together the glaze ingredients. Prick the loaf with a fork and pour the glaze over the top (place a plate beneath the cooling rack to catch drips).

3. WRAPPING IT UP: Dress up this loaf in plastic wrap or cellophane tied with a bow or, for an extra-special touch, present the wrapped loaf in a new loaf pan. To ensure the right fit, bake the loaf in the new pan (they all claim to be 9 by 5 inches, but often vary slightly). Wash the pan well after baking, and it should look new again. Be sure to tuck in a recipe card. With any luck, you'll be the one receiving the loaf next year!

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• Breakfast Breads |
• Christmas |
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Related Categories:

• Christmas Food Gifts |
• December/January 2001 |
• Loaves |
• Breakfast Breads |
• Breads & Pastries |
• Bread |
• Quick Breads