Chew on This | Cheddar Bacon Beer Bread

We are now officially enjoying, and hanging onto, the last few weeks of summer break. Ugh. It doesn't seem right. It's too soon for school to start. Nevertheless, it's inevitable.

So, yesterday we bought school supplies. That's always fun. New, fresh boxes of crayons, colored pencils and markers. Tubes of glue and glue sticks. Packs of paper, folders, 3-ring binders, and pencils. Ahhhh, pencils. Sharpened No. 2 pencils. Mechanical pencils. I love it all.

I actually found the kids in the office yesterday evening going through their new things. Organizing and labeling everything. The moment felt so familiar to me. I did the same thing each year with my new supplies. Checking, rechecking, and mentally preparing for a new school year.

The Boy is going to be joining his sister at her school this year. New school, new routines, and new friends. I have no doubt that he'll acclimate quite easily, but as a Mama, it still pulls on my heart that he has this new change and challenge ahead of him. Making this transition as comfortable as possible for him is what I am striving for. And The Sprite says she is happy to help, too. She says she'll keep an eye on him during the school day to ensure he behaves (HA!) and she'll pick him up at his classroom each afternoon and walk with him to the bus. Mama's little helper! I think The Boy will be in good hands.

Speaking of little helpers, The Boy has been such a helper in the kitchen this summer. He's been mixing and making up a storm. Today we made this incredible Cheddar Bacon Beer Bread. It was so tender and flavorful. A perfect baking day in the kitchen with my baby boy.

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Here's our recipe:

Cheddar Bacon Beer Bread

3 C flour

3 t baking powder

1 t salt 

1/4 C sugar

8-10 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled

1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese

1 bottle beer (12 ounces)

4 t butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375℉. Spray a loaf pan with baking spray.

In a large bowl, sift together your flour and baking powder. Next, add in your salt, sugar, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese. Stir to incorporate all ingredients. Now, pour in your beer and gently mix all of your ingredients until just combined. Spoon batter into your loaf pan and drizzle top of the batter with your melted butter.

Place loaf pan into the oven for approximately 40-55 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy!