 | Lemon Basil Tea Bread Preheat oven to 325°. In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, and 2 eggs and blend until smooth. Add 1/4 tsp almond extract. Sift 1 1/2 cups white flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Fold into sugar and butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup milk. Stir in 2 tbsp Lemon basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Turn batter into a greased 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" ovenproof loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Remove and prick the top with a fork; pour over a blend of 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice mixed with 2 tbsp sugar. -Ellen Ecker Ogden, author of From the Cook's Garden cookbook |