Lemon Lemon Loaf from BAKED

I read myself to sleep, not with a good mystery novel or great magazine article, but with cook books.  I read recipes like they are stories, and survey the photos like they are works of art.  I used to do the same thing with the New York Times magazine section, when I wanted to be a fashion designer (I was fourteen). I'd spend hours imagining what I could create from the inspiration before me.

Last night I grabbed my copy of Baked: New Frontiers in Baking by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito. This book is a treasured gift from my friends Sari and Holly, and I love it!  I have sticky notes marking favorite recipes.  Last night I settled on Baked's Lemon Lemon Loaf.  The photo, by Tina Rupp, is in itself, gorgeous.  Their descripton is mouth-watering.  I haven't made it yet but you don't need my testimony.  Their bakery is famous and their recipes are proven.

I like the idea of a Lemon Lemon Loaf in February. It's full of summer promise and citrus abundance.  If you are experiencing cabin fever and want to infuse your cabin with the scent and taste of warmer seasons, this would be a great way to break out of our February freeze.


FOR THE LEMON CAKE

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 8 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup grated lemon zest (from about 4 lemons)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

FOR THE LEMON SYRUP

• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup sugar

FOR THE LEMON GLAZE (OPTIONAL)

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted, or more if needed
• 4 to 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation

MAKE THE LEMON CAKES
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the sides and bottom of two 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper and spray the paper.
Sift both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
Put the sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse until combined. With the motor running, drizzle the butter in through the feed tube. Add the sour cream and vanilla and pulse until combined. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.

Sprinkle the flour mixture, one third at a time, folding gently after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.  

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes, rotate the pans, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F., and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Let cool in the pans for 15 minutes. 

MEANWHILE, MAKE THE LEMON SYRUP
In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and invert the loaves onto the pan. Use a toothpick to poke holes in the tops and sides of the loaves.
Brush the tops and sides of the loaves with the lemon syrup. Let the syrup soak into the cake and brush again. Let the cakes cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
(The soaked but unglazed loaves will keep, wrapped in two layers of plastic wrap and frozen, for up to 6 weeks.)

IF YOU LIKE, MAKE THE LEMON GLAZE
In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice. The mixture should be thick but pourable. If the mixture is too stiff, add up to another 2 tablespoons lemon juice and whisk again, adding small amounts of lemon juice and/or confectioners' sugar until you get the right consistency. Pour the lemon glaze over the top of each loaf and let it drip down the sides. Let the lemon glaze harden, about 15 minutes, before serving.

The glazed loaves will keep for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, at room temperature.

BAKED NOTE For zesting purposes, we always recommend using an organic fruit, free of chemicals or pesticides that might reside deep in the rind.

Photo Credit:  Photo by Tina Rupp: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/photo/Lemon-Lemon-Loaf-350989