Living in Massachusetts, it's difficult to bake as much as I like to when it's 95 degrees and humid outside and 85 and humid inside. Even with the AC on, baking in the summer is a challenge - is what I want to make worth heating up the whole apartment? Will it even come out right because it's so humid? I do most of my summer baking first thing on Saturday or Sunday mornings or later in the evenings, since that's when it's coolest. As a result, my posts will probably be slowing down from now until about August/September (when I can't take it anymore), but I do have some awesome no-bake and summery baked recipes that I'm dying to try (watermelon cookies - I'm looking at you!).
Anyhow, here's something I made a couple of weeks ago that's really perfect for this type of weather and the summer season. Blueberries are in their prime right now, and the light and airiness of this bread really lends itself to a lot of combinations: you can easily serve this by itself or with a scoop of ice cream and/or whipped cream and either more fresh blueberries or other delicious fruits.
I actually made this twice, as the first one barely made it into the door at work before it was devoured. The second one, Joe and I took our time and savored - then used the rest of it to make french toast, which I will blog about later.
For me, one of the most surprising things about this bread was my brother's reaction. Now, I love this kid, but holy hell, he can be really picky sometimes. My favorite thing to do is say, "Josh, do you like _____?" And, when he says, no, I make it any way. Sometimes, he still doesn't like it, but more times than not, he ends up going back for a second or third helping. He came over after I made this and we ended up just missing each other because I had to work late and then run a couple of errands. He sent me a text that said he doesn't like blueberries, but the bread was delicious. Further proof that you don't know you like something until you've actually tried it (PS: Hi Josh)!
What I loved about this recipe is that it's so easy to make. If you're planning to make it for a party you're having, it's an easy thing to whip up the night before OR the day of, and as long as you put it into an airtight container or cover it good with foil, nobody will know!
I'm a huge fan of fresh berries - and tend to buy way more than one person can reasonably eat - so this is an excellent summertime recipe that will give you something sweet to munch on without being too heavy.
Blueberry Bread
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Ingredients
2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 stick butter, room temperature
1 c. sugar, plus more for dusting
2 eggs
6 oz. vanilla yogurt
1 pint blueberries
1 pint blueberries
In a medium sized bowl, combine butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one.
Add the flour, baking powder and yogurt. Mix until everything is incorporated.
Carefully fold in the blueberries, being careful not to overstir and not to crush any blueberries.
Scoop batter into prepared pan, using the back of a spoon to gently even it out, if necessary. Bake for 30 minutes and remove bread from oven. Sprinkle about 1 Tbsp of sugar on top, then return to oven for approximately 30 more minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
When bread is finished baking, let cool in pan for about 10-15 minutes. Gently run a knife around the outside edge. Carefully invert onto a plate or cutting board and move to wire rack to cool completely.
Yields 10-12 slices, depending on thickness.
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