March 22, 2012

Garlic Scares Away the Witches: Cheddar Garlic Bread

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I've never experienced the cooking-as-therapy type of calm in the kitchen. Slowly but surely, though, I'm getting much better at cooking and baking. Not too many years ago, I would despair if there were any instructions other than "Unwrap plastic and cardboard from pizza. Bake at 425."

And today was just one of those days. I woke up in a good mood, but felt defeated about half an hour into my morning. The weather was cool and the gray sky looked as sad as my spirits. I found myself leaning against the counter top in the kitchen, browsing through recipes. Some magical, fairy voice seemed to be singing, "Bread!" There is something so homey and comforting about it.

So mixing bowls and ingredients were gathered. The spoon was stirred in a slow motion at first, then faster. I scraped the sides to get all the bits of dough, and swirled it into the pan. I found myself confident enough to read some reviews and combine a few recipes for something that became my own. The seasonings were already enveloping the entire apartment. Ah, I thought. So this is that baking catharsis I've heard so much about. I even baked a couple loaves of Snickerdoodle bread after that, sending one loaf with a pregnant friend and one to my dad. It felt good to stand barefoot on the linoleum and do something simple and rewarding. Maybe garlic scares away negative things after all.

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It's a bit savory and slightly sweet, and a little reminiscent of those amazing Red Lobster biscuits.

Cheddar Garlic Bread

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons Italian seasonings, divided
1 and 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking powder, cheese, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl, combine milk, oil, and the egg. Stir into the dry ingredients until just moistened.

Pour into one greased 9x5 loaf pan. Sprinkle with additional 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. After removing from over, sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of cheese.

Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or cool.

17 kind comments from you:

Jenn said...

That seriously looks amazing! I am HORRIBLE with bread, so I'm a little hesitant to make it, but your pictures make me wanna try!

Casey said...

That looks so easy AND delicious!! Must try. I'm a carb-o-holic. Thanks for contributing to my love handles. :)

Chantal said...

Oh goodness, I need to live at your house, you make some delicious stuff.

The New Normal said...

Ooh that looks so good! J loves those Red Lobster biscuits so I will definitely have to try these! I'm slowly beginning to enjoy cooking and trying new things too. It's kind of fun!

Michelle said...

That looks AMAZING! I think I might whip that up this weekend. The snickerdoodle bread, too :)

Kaylee said...

OH man, that looks good. I think it might need to be made soon!

mjskit said...

I'm sold! This looks like an absolutely delicious bread! Never can get enough garlic and cheese! Great recipe!

Contemplating Beauty said...

Oh thank you for this sister!!! And I'm so sorry a half hour into your day you felt defeated, BUG OFF SATAN!!!

thanks for the recipe!!!

XO

Miz Helen said...

Hi Erika,
Thank you so much for sharing your great Cheddar Garlic Bread with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great Spring week end and come back to see me real soon!
Miz Helen
A New Follower

Tara said...

This looks delicious! I will have to give this a try, thank you for sharing,
:)
Tara

Justine said...

Stopping by from the JenniferCooks.com Fusion Friday Link Party! http://queenofsavings.com

beka said...

mhmmm, when i make a big batch of bread [yeast kind, this one certain recipe that never ever fails me], i dread the huge task beforehand, but once i start, it's that simple rewarding feeling....and the smell of bread baking is like no other loveliness!! :)

i need to try that garlic bread. ohmyword.

Anonymous said...

It also keeps away the vampires! ;o) Seriously though, it looks delicious.

Thanks for linking up to Friday Food at Momtrends.com!

amy johnson said...

This looks SO yummy!!! I'm definitely going to be trying it soon. Thanks doll! Have a fab weekend.

Amy

http://denimandplaid.blogspot.com/

charla beth said...

"Maybe garlic scares away negative things after all.": made me smile:)

definitely going to try this one...the recipe alone made my mouth water!

Deborah said...

this is very good and so easy to make. i made it in mini loaf pans and baked it for 35 minutes. perfect!

Deborah said...

jenn, i'm the same way with bread but made it today and it turned out great! i see it's been awhile since you posted this so hopefully you've made the bread by now.

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