Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Lemon Topping

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon lemon extract

Peel of 2 lemons, grated

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Pinch of salt

Topping: 

1/4 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation

Heat oven to 325 F.  In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, and beat well. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt. Add flour and milk alternately to the creamed mixture. Add lemon extract, grated lemon peel and poppy seeds. Mix well. Pour batter into a sprayed and floured 9- x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes. Bread is done when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

For Topping: Cream butter. Add powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spread over cooled bread. Serves 6-8.  Garnish as desired, and enjoy!

— Third Place — Bonnie Martin, Russell County