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1
Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
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Lightly oil or coat a 9x5-inch (1.5-L) loaf pan or 3 5x3-inch (400-mL) mini loaf pans with cooking spray.
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Finely grate 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon peel and squeeze out 5 tbsp (75 mL) juice from lemons.
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4
In a medium-size bowl, using a fork, stir flour with baking powder, salt, nutmeg and lemon peel.
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5
Place butter in a large bowl.
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6
Using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat butter until creamy.
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Gradually beat in 1 cup (250 mL) sugar until mixture is pale in colour, from 1 to 2 minutes.
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Beat in 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice.
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Don't worry if batter looks slightly curdled--it won't affect baking.
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Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
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Beat in vanilla.
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Reduce speed to low.
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Gradually beat in 1/3 of flour mixture, then 1/2 of milk.
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Repeat additions, ending with remaining flour and beating until just blended.
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15
Using a wooden spoon, stir in ginger until evenly distributed.
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16
Scrape batter into large loaf pan or divide between mini loaf pans, then smooth top.
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17
Bake in centre of preheated 350F (180C) oven until a cake tester or thin knife inserted into centre of loaf comes out clean, from 1 to 1-1/4 hours for a large loaf or 35 to 40 minutes for mini loaves.
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18
Check large loaf after 50 minutes of baking.
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19
If edges are a deep golden brown, loosely cover with a piece of foil for remaining baking time.
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Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk remaining 3 tbsp (45 mL) lemon juice with remaining 1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar until dissolved.
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21
Remove loaf from oven.
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22
Set pan on a rack.
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23
Spoon half of glaze overtop hot loaf or loaves in pan.
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24
Use back of spoon to evenly spread glaze.
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Let sit for 10 minutes, then spoon remaining glaze overtop.
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26
Leave loaf in pan until cool.
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27
Run a sharp knife around edges of pan and turn out.
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Place loaf glaze-side up on a serving plate or cutting board.
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Slice and serve immediately or wrap cooled loaf in waxed paper, then foil.
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30
Loaf will keep well, refrigerated, up to 5 days or frozen up to 1 month.
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31
Or wrap for gift giving.
