lemon + almond poppy seed loaf

I have always been fascinated by how a spoonful of food can improve even the ugliest of moods. If the clouds cry, a hot bowl of soup makes the rain feel softer. If your heart aches, a freshly baked loaf makes the day seem brighter. I learned patience by waiting at the oven's door for a fresh batch of my mother's cookies and I learned joy in the shape of cinnamon buns on a Saturday morning.

 In an effort to explore the beauty of food, I have decided to lend more time to baking and learning how ingredients work together. Recently I baked a lemon + almond poppy seed loaf and I wanted to share it with you. On the roof of the loaf, there are sticky drippings of lemon and sugar. On the inside, poppy seeds dance with a sweet lemon zest.

Ingredients you'll need:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 tbsp. freshly grated lemon zest

The lemon glaze:
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled

The recipe can be found here. 

Enjoy!