Poppy Seed Bread

by Debara Valeri

1 jar (2 oz.) poppy seeds
3/4 c. milk
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) soft butter
3 eggs
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder
2 c. sifted all purpose flour some confectioners sugar

Combine poppy seeds and milk in a large bowl. Let stand at room temp 3 to 4 hours. Let butter and eggs warm to room temp. for easy mixing. (Butter should be very soft.) Grease and flour an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2″ pan. Add butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, baking powder and flour to poppy seeds and mixer for one minute scraping side of bowl with spatula. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 min. or until center springs back. Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 min. Loosen around edges; turn out to cool. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Serve plain or with cream cheese.