Lemon Thyme Bread

I posted a lemon bread around Christmas time but this recipe far excels that recipe.  I am drawn to lemon lately,  it just always sounds good to me.  This recipe, lemon with thyme sounded exceptional and it was so this will be my go to recipe for lemon bread and out with the other recipe.  I love anything lemon with hot tea.  The bread is very moist and the lemon glaze is optional.  I doubled this recipe to get to loaves.

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons of butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely minced
2/3 cup of half and half

Preheat oven to 350.  Butter an 8" loaf pan.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.
In a large bowl, cream butter and gradually add sugar, beat until fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme.  Alternately add the dry ingredients and the half and half to the butter mixture, mixing just until the batter is blended.  Pour the batter into greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.  Let stand for 5 minutes, then put lemon loaf onto a wire rack to cool. 

Make a glaze by whisking together 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.  Pour slowly over warm loaf and let cool completely.

This bread is really easy to make doesn't take but about 10 minutes to put everything together.  Don't forget that breads are always nice little gifts when going to visit a friend or add a pretty kitchen towel in a basket with the bread and you have a nice gift.