Writer Wednesday – L.S Burton

Let’s welcome author L.S. Burton to Writer Wednesday on the blog!! I haven’t had a chance to read any of Lee’s books yet, but the book cover (below) alone for his novella, Ella, looks compelling and heart wrenching!

Made by L.S. Burton

For my Made By Meghan recipe, I bring you Beer Bread — buttery, delicious, utterly versatile, and, best of all, absolutely simple to make.

I’m not much of a cook or a baker, but I’m a world class eater, and this is my go-to for potlucks, book clubs, and just generally being a hungry writer, wracking my brains and perpetually shoveling my driveway.

Credit where credit is due. Though I first learned of this recipe from a friend, I’ve since backtracked it to Rebecca Crump’s blog.

This same friend, whenever my beer bread got kudos from people at events, would invariably hover around where it was being discussed, chewing on her lip, until the pressure grew too great and she had to remind everyone that it was originally her creation, which I had since borrowed. And just recently my lovely foodie girlfriend, feeling under the weather, asked if I could make her a loaf for a potluck of her own. I was happy to dash off a couple loaves for her, which were then well received. – Lee

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-x-5-x-3-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
3. Using a wooden spoon, stir the beer into the dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Pour half the melted butter into the loaf pan. Then spoon the batter into the pan, and pour the rest of the butter on top of the batter. Slide a baking sheet onto a lower rack to catch any butter that might overflow from the loaf pan.
5. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until golden brown. Serve immediately.

The recipe being versatile, I substitute regular butter for the unsalted the recipe calls for, and then omit the tablespoon of salt. I’ve also learned that, while it almost seems counterintuitive, ordinary beers make for better results than craft beers; and while whole wheat flour is usually more valued as a dietary choice, regular flour seems to produce more flavorful results.

I’ve added cranberries, partridge berries, and cinnamon to good effect. Goes wonderfully with wine, tea, and a variety of cheeses. But be careful, it’s a heartbreaker. There’s never any left to take home after a party, so it’s best to make two.

I hope you enjoy.

Lee

Um, this recipe sounds a little dangerous to me! As in, why make two when you can make three and eat one all to yourself before anyone gets home and even realizes you’ve baked … ahem, but maybe that’s just me.

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Ella