Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped lemon balm leaves
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped lemon balm leaves

Method

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and lemon balm. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in walnuts if desired and lemon zest. Pour into a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the sugar, water and lemon juice; stir in lemon balm. Spoon over warm bread while still in the pan. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.