Monday, March 15, 2010

Bananas in pyjamas

So, I've been seeing peeps post their super-yummy-looking banana bread recipes all over the web, and I thought I should throw in what I think is the easiest (and most forgiving) banana bread recipe of all time.

That's right. I've compared them all. Ask anyone.

My recipe originally came from Evelyn Raab's Clueless in the Kitchen. 'Nuff said 'bout my mad kitchen skills, yo. This book was actually a godsend when I first moved out on my own and didn't really know how to do simple things, like cook rice or a soft-boiled egg. (This book is a great gift idea for those with kids about to fly the coop...or, leave the nest...or...something. Is that first one a euphemism for "going crazy"?)

Anyhow, over the years, I have perfected this recipe, I do believe, and have tried a dozen or so variations that have all turned out fabulously except when I've forgotten to set the timer and the bottom has burned to a blackened crisp every time.

So, here's how she goes, a la my adaptations:

Mix together:
  • 1 1/4c flour (feel free to use white, whole wheat, or any combo of the two - other flours are on my list to try!)
  • 1 c sugar (this can easily be reduced up to half and any sugar will do. A full cup makes it pretty sweet)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
In a separate bowl, use a potato masher or electric mixer (or just use your blender) and smoosh together:
  • 3 overripe brown bananas (or thawed ones from your freezer)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2c veg oil (this can easily be subbed in part or in whole for applesauce. Tastes great and better for you. Butter will also work.)
Now, mix the wet stuff into the dry stuff.

Pour into a well-greased loaf-pan and bake at 350 for 1 hour. Muffins take about 30 min. Or, if you happen to have found some mini-loaf pans on sale at Michael's after Christmas for $0.15 apiece (score!), those will work too. These take an hour too, for some reason.

Some yummy add-ins: a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, blueberries, raisins, chopped apples, etc. This recipe is so forgiving that you can try it any-which way.

This recipe freezes well, doubles well, and makes for a super-yummy breakfast, lunch, snack, supper when Cliff isn't home accompaniment to the well-balanced and nutritious supper one cooks when eating alone, or any other possible meal.

By the way, I thought Cliff was off his rocker when he suggested it would be good with cheddar cheese...but holy moley, that's some good eats!

Let me know if you try this one out!

Linkin' it up to some sweet parties...

DIY Day @ ASPTL

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Tuesdays at the Table
Tasty Tuesday


14 comments:

  1. Yummy! This looks great! I will have to try some of those add-ins you mentioned (although I'm not sure about the cheese?!?! It is really good with cheese? I would have never thought!).

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  2. Hi Teri! Okay, now I'm hungry again! Rob and I are on Weight Watchers and our points are limited. :( These yummy recipes are killing me!! I LOVE banana bread or banana muffins, cold from the fridge with margarine on it. I want to be young again and be able to eat anything I want with no consequences. Enough of my whining. I haven't got my kit either and had the same thought about customs. I'll let you know when I get mine. I'm going to keep that cookbook in mind for my daughters. My 22 year old called me tonight and we had an intriguing conversation about how to hard boil eggs and how long they keep in the fridge and how it is important to keep the shell on them until you are ready to use them. ;)

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  3. This really does look like a simple recipe....I've got some over ripe bananas on my counter right now ( and none of my family will touch them) Good timing. I'll have to try this. Like your ideas for add-ins too. :)

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  4. I love banana bread, but usually I wait until my mom makes it and then mooch of her. I love it spread with a totally unreasonably thick layer of butter. Hmmm...this is making me hungry...will have to call mom and ask her to make some☺

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  5. I love the way you presented this great banana bread with the variations and freedoms to goof, and still have a cake.

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  6. This is a lot like my recipe only my family likes it plain, no add ons :)

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  7. That is so yummy for sure. Stopping by from Cole's place..

    Have a great day..

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  8. Just made some banana bread of my own this weekend - it DOES take forever to bake, doesn't it? What a super easy recipe!

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  9. Yo, word to ya motha!!! You are killing me here! How can I lose another 20 if I am forced to look at 'this'!?!?! Nice work on the photogs. I must have accidentally deleted your second comment (I think it was your second) what else did you have to say? More about how FAB I am? Ya, I know!

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  10. responding to your question about my waxed piece of furniture. After the wax has cured for a month or so, it's fine to scrub, just with water and a sponge! Thanks for commenting!

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  11. Hi Teri

    Pity i dont bake otherwise I'd try this in a heartbeat ! looks just yums !!!

    & you just tickle me with your IKea trolley idea! but we're spore here - doubt if we're allowed to do that in this country ! ;)

    also can you send me an email ASAP - it's related to my blog giveaway with a little surprise . I dont see your email anywhere here you see.

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  12. Any recipe that has this many variations has got to be wonderful. We make banana bread often in the summer when bananas tend to go black within 24 hours of buying them.

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