Easy Beer Bread

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• Spring has sprung and it's time to jam!
  
  It’s this time of year that I love to drive with the windows down listening to some of my favorite songs. And by “listening to,” I mean singing along. (For the sake of others, I am usually alone when this happens.)
  
  Luckily, I’m a better cook than singer, so I’m tuning into my spring play list for some foodie inspiration. Join me, will you?
  
  Song: Red Solo Cup
  
  Artist:  Toby Keith
  
  Even if you aren’t a country music fan, you have to appreciate this song—especially if you are currently in or have ever attended college. The obvious choice is to enjoy this song with a nice, cold brew. But if you’re in a baking mood, whip up a loaf of beer bread to munch on. Or try one of these varieties:
  
  Buffalo Wing Beer Bread
  Beer Bread with Cheese
  
  Song: Moves Like Jagger
  
  Artist:  Maroon 5
  
  Some critics have accused this song of being too “pop-y.” Well, that’s fine with me! I like the pop sound—and I like to eat popcorn while watching the lead singer of Maroon 5 on “The Voice,” too. ;)
  
  You Be the Judge Popcorn Mix
  
  Song: Friday Night
  
  Artist: Katy Perry
  
  If there was ever a song to drink your dinner to, it’s this one!  A perfect tune for starting a girls’ night right. One or more of these fun, girly cocktails is a must:
  
  Blow Pop Martini
  Marshmallow Cake-tini Cocktail
  Clementine Cocktail 
  
  Song: Rolling in the Deep
  
  Artist:  Adele
  
  This is a heavy song about heartbreak. (But it has to be included on my playlist because it is so fun to belt out in the car). This song calls for some heavy comfort foods, and I’ll turn to Adele’s country of origin for inspiration from some traditional English dishes:
  
  Bangers and Mash Hand Pies
  
  Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie with Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  
  Freshly Brewed Tea
  
  Song: Sexy and I Know It
  
  Artist:  LMFAO
  
  This song has a great beat for dancing, and it’s also prime for working out. In fact, I feel like I can exercise forever when this tune comes on, so I’m pairing it with some healthy post-exercise smoothies.
  
  Up and At 'Em Fruit Smoothie
  
  Peach-Berry Smoothie
  
  Granola Berry-Banana Smoothie
  
  Song: Till the World Ends
  
  Artist: Britney Spears
  
  Britney is back, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Even though she’s cleaned up her act, I still have tabloid pictures in my head of her carrying around huge iced coffee drinks & junk food. I think this song calls for some coffee-inspired treats:
  
  Hazelnut Coffee Coolers
  Mexican Coffee Popsicles
  Creamy Coffee Filled Brownies
  
  Song: Chicken Fried
  
  Artist: Zac Brown Band
  
  The ultimate in down-home tunes cries out for some traditional Southern grub.
  
  Hushpuppies
  Hot 'n Spicy Fried Chicken
  Cheesy Grits
  
  Song: Safe & Sound (From The Hunger Games Soundtrack)
  
  Artist: Taylor Swift
  
  The Hunger Games books and movie are hot, hot, hot right now! It’s easy to be inspired to cook by reading the book and listening to the soundtrack. Let Katniss’ favorite lamb stew inspire you to whip up some stew of your own. Or have your own The Hunger Games party by simply renaming these awesome dishes to celebrate Capitol-style:
  
  Apple & Cheese Tart
  Prim’s Basil Goat Cheese Bites
  The Capitol’s Orange Chicken
  Everdeens’ Fish Stew
  
  Song: Need You Now
  
  Artist: Lady Antebellum
  
  This group’s Grammy for Best Country Album was well deserved. And this is my favorite of all their songs. It definitely calls for something sexy. Like chocolate.
  
  Dark Chocolate Mousse
  Chocolate Mousse
  Chocolate Cherry Martini
  
  Song: We Are Young
  
  Artist:  Fun, ft. Janelle Monáe
  
  This is the ultimate spring anthem, so raise a glass...or a jelly shot:
  
  Sparkle Magic Jelly Shot
  Double Rainbow Cake Jelly Shot
  Lucky-tini Jelly Shot
  Watermelon Basil Martini Jelly Shots
  
  Wishing you a spring season full of good tunes and tasty bites!