Unlike regular table bread, beer bread has a hard, crusty top, and a soft inside. But the texture of the bread is also course. The bacon grease (and it's only a little) adds to the flavor of the bread, and takes away some of it's coarseness, giving it a nicer consistency and flavor. Since this is a dense, course bread, it lends itself well to stews, chili, soups, and seafood. This bread is delicious with a variety of added ingredients, making it very versatile. And, because of it's unusual texture and underlying flavor, it is always a conversation starter! This is often referred too as "cowboy bread" as well, because of the few ingredients needed, ease of making it, and the variety of additional ingredients that can be added to enhance, the flavor of the bread.
FYI:
"Different types of beer bread can be made by using different beers; for instance, a stout or dark beer, will give a darker bread with a heavier flavor. Using a beer that is spiced, or has a flavor added, will make a bread with a similar flavor, but less intense than the beer.
One can add any flavorings to this simple recipe when mixing the dry ingredients to enhance the flavor of the bread. Some suggestions include: cheddar and dill, sundried tomato and herb, garlic and feta, bacon and mozzarella, etc. A consideration when choosing flavors is that if the beer bread is not going to be eaten straight away then the flavors will become enhanced upon storage."
From Wikipedia
Prep. Time - 10 min. Cook time: 50-60 min. Servings: 1 loaf
Basic Ingredients for all Beer Breads:
3 cups of self-rising flour.
2 tablespoons sugar.12 ounces of "your favorite" beer at room temperature. (I used a Sierra Nevada Lager)
My recipe, adds:
1/4-1/2 cup white cheddar or mozzarella cheese
4-6 slices of bacon, cooked and, crumbled. (set aside drained bacon fat)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook bacon until crispy and allow to drain on a paper towel until cool.
- Reserve bacon fat from pan.
- Crumble bacon bits and set aside.
- Grate mozzarella cheese.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and flour.
- Add crumbled bacon bits.
- Add 2+ tablespoons of bacon grease that you had reserved.
- Add beer and continue to mix, first using a wooden spoon, then your "clean" hands.
- Batter will be sticky.
- Pour into a 9 x 5 inch greased loaf pan.
- With a knife, gently slice a crease (making a depression) down the center of the bread, but, not going through it.
- In the crease, add the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- The top of the bread will be crunchy, and the insides will be soft.
- Serve, sliced with butter, a savory brown gravy or your favorite spread.
Now Enjoy!
© 2013 Jayne's Crazy Kitchen
