Poppyseed Cheese Bread

 

Makes 1 9-by-5-inch loaf

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 5 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 fresh jalapinos, minced
• 2 tablespoons poppyseeds
• 1 cup grated mild cheddar cheese
• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup medium-grind cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) ; grease a 9-by5-inch loaf pan.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer or food processor.
3. Add the eggs, and blend them in ; add the milk, jalapenos, poppyseeds, and cheese, mixing well after each addition.
4. Sift together the remaining ingredients, and add the dry mixture to the batter, about one-third at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Spoon the batter into the pan ; bake the bread about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Served the bread warm or at room temperature.

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