For the best beer bread, it's all about the bubbles

For those who enjoy the taste of beer but don't necessarily want to drink a pint, a delicious beer bread may be just what the bartender ordered. Beer bread is a quick bread, similar to a banana or pumpkin bread, which means it does not need time to rise or to be kneaded. During the baking process, the alcohol content mostly evaporates with only trace amounts remaining. According to the USDA, the negligible amount of alcohol that remains makes it completely harmless to children, and beer bread is therefore safe for them to eat. However, those who must strictly avoid alcohol should probably steer clear. Made with only a few simple ingredients, beer bread utilizes beer for both flavor and as a leavening agent, as well as a liquid replacement. The carbonation of the beer will bubble causing the yeast in the beer to react with the baking powder and flour to make the beer bread rise. As far as types of beer to use, the best beers are classified as malty with low hops like an amber lager or an American pale ale for a sweet result without bitterness. Avoid IPAs for that reason in that they are extra hoppy. A crisp pilsner yields a milder loaf, while a dark stout will bake into a robust bread. Light beers can work as well but can be less flavorful. Other tips for stellar beer bread results include using room-temperature beer to give the bread the best rise in the oven and so it will incorporate with ease into the batter. You should also bake in a metal loaf pan for an optimal bread crust. Always use a freshly opened beer with lots of carbonation and do not overmix. In case beer substitution is needed, another highly carbonated beverage like club soda, ginger ale, or sparkling water will work with the absence of beer flavor. Many food producers sell a variety of pre-made dry mixtures for making beer bread that require the addition of only beer and butter. Locally, Halladay's Harvest Barn of Bellows Falls, Vermont, makes several variations through their Vermont Beer Bread Company that include classic, garlic herb, and garlic rosemary flavors (halladays.com/beer-bread). The recipe provided here results in a delicious hearty beer bread with a crunchy crust. To get a softer crust, mix the melted butter into the batter instead of pouring it over the top as the recipe instructs. Beer bread is an excellent accompaniment to a thick and hearty soup, stew, or chili. It can also be served as a complement to dips and cheese spreads, as well as a variety of grilled meats and barbecue, making it an ideal dish to make for parties or get-togethers. Beer Bread Adapted from food.com Ingredients: 3 cups sifted flour (not self-rising) 3 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 &frasl;4 cup sugar 12 ounces beer of choice 1/4 cup melted butter Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix dry ingredients and beer. Pour into greased loaf pan. Pour melted butter over top of mixture. Bake for 60 minutes. Remove from pan and cool for at least 15 minutes.