casey, beer bread is so easy even you, a non-baker, could make it. Hardly any rules for this recipe.
BEER BREAD
Preheat oven to 375 degrees (350 dark or glass pan)
Lightly grease a 9x5 loaf pan
3 cups all purpose flour, sifted
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 to 4 Tablespoons sugar (white or brown) or honey, to taste
1 bottle beer (keep in mind the stronger the beer, the more flavor in the bread - if you want a neutral-tasting bread, use canned water like Busch natural light
)
2 to 4 Tablespoons butter, melted
Combine dry ingredients. Add beer and stir just until blended - you will have some lumps. If you want a softer loaf of bread, blend your melted butter into the batter. If you want a crispy, crunchier top, pour melted butter over the bread once you've turned the batter into your pan.
Place pan in oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool for about 5 minutes before setting on a cooling rack. Wait at least 1/2 hour before cutting.
If you want to add cheese, you can add up to 1 cup shredded cheese after you've combined all of the other ingredients.
We generally like this the day it is made. After that, we've found that a light toasting (you don't HAVE to butter it...) improves the flavor and texture. YMMV.