When life gives you lemons, bake sh*t

       I never quite understood why people metaphorically related lemons to difficult life situations. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade". What? Lemons are wonderful fruits. They make our kitchens cleaner and more fragrant when used in disinfectant products and air fresheners. Lemons help children get a head start on the corporate ladder. Although, I feel that many of these youngsters have even surpassed myself since I saw a lemonade stand last summer selling Dixie cups of Country Time at $2.50 a pop. Oh, and how could I forget that lemons pair better with alcohol than any other fruit on Earth. Big round of applause for Mike's Hard for allowing me to relive being 15 years old any time I want.
       Clearly, you all can see that I really enjoy lemons. Many of my Pinterest recipes include these tiny citrus suns, so I felt that I should get right to it and start making some of them! This lemon loaf is good. So good that I licked the knife each time I cut myself a slice. (My way of living on the edge). If you enjoy lemon and want a quick recipe that will impress your family, friends, and even yourself-give this one a try.

"Copy Cat Starbucks Lemon Loaf"

Loaf:

• 1 1/2 c.all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt 
• 3 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 tbsp. softened butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract 
• 2 tsp. lemon extract 
• 1/3 c. lemon juice
• 1/2 c. oil
• zest of one lemon

Glaze Topping:

• 1 c. powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp. milk (I used 2%)
• 1/2 tsp. lemon extract 
• I added a few drops of vanilla extract, too

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9x5 loaf pan. 
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. 
3. In separate bowl combine sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon juice. Mix on low-medium until well blended. 
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and add oil and lemon zest. Blend until smooth and no clumps exist. 
5. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. Depending on your oven and pan, you may need to add additional time. Cook until a toothpick comes out clean. 
6. Remove from pan and let cool on wire rack or parchment paper. I turned my loaf pan over and beat the crap out of it with a spoon. Great way to release the loaf from the pan, and an even better stress reliever!
7. Mix ingredients for glaze (can use mixer, whisk, or fork) and drizzle over cooled lemon loaf. *Optional step*: lick-up leftovers straight from bowl.I highly recommend.
8. Store in airtight container or cover with foil. Enjoy!

            I swear that it tastes better than it looks. I'm not quite sure how everyone makes their glaze drizzles look so pristine, but this definitely looks like it spent the day at an XX...ehh nevermind. Decoration aside, this lemon loaf is outstanding! I just hope you all have better luck than I did.

         A huge thanks to KeyIngredient for originally listing this recipe. You rock.

        Number of Pinterest recipes conquered: 2
        I declare this recipe a: delicious loaf for the lazy