Saturday Banana Bread Lovin'

From the Irish kitchen that brought you modified sweet tea, pimento cheese, Greek yogurt parfaits, and hot garlic steak stir fry for the first time. . . . Today I have introduced my first banana bread and batch of 'nana muffins using my favorite recipe (only leaving out the chocolate chips).

Growing up I loved when my mom made banana bread. She has a magic way for making food from memory or from instinct, but occasionally- like some of the rest of us- she too needs a recipe. I wouldn't say for certain this is the exact recipe she uses, but I've stumbled upon it before, and it has the most similar taste to my mom's. I tease my sister (P) about making a family book of recipes, so maybe one day this one will be in it. Paige often tells me that if it wasn't for me she wouldn't know any of the family traditions, because no one else pays as close attention. I'd like to think that's one of my unique roles in the family then... helping to teach, keep, and grow the family history and traditions. :-)

Like many mornings in Ireland, the weather changes a lot.  I awoke to a clear blue sky and warm fall weather, only to have finished my breakfast and find it raining buckets. I'm still feeling tired from traveling around London this past week (update on that to come), and want to relax this afternoon. I started catching up on messages, chores, and errands yesterday after we got back and then needed rest. Today I have more energy, but still feel worn out in my legs and feet from our impressive trek across London (averaging over 10 miles on foot everyday). 

With my Gabby Bernstein Spotify playlist on in the background, my baking materials on hand, and the trusted recipe to put some rotten bananas to good use back in action.... Voila!

The before is at the top with all my ingredients, and the afters are below with muffins and the fresh loaf of bread. Photo By: M.

Want to borrow this simple (and very tasty) recipe?

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

- 2 large eggs

- 3 ripe bananas (if you want sweeter bread use 4)

- 1 tablespoon milk

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

- 2 cups AP (all-purpose) flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon salt

(This recipe also has more instructions on The Food Network/ c. 1996, M.S. Miliken & S. Feniger)

What's your favorite recipe for banana bread? 

I served the muffins with fresh vanilla ice cream and a honey drizzle as a snack with tea this afternoon. The loaf of bread I left plain to be served with nutella as a dessert after dinner tonight. The bread could also be eaten plain for breakfast :)

Everyone seemed happy with this bake, so hopefully the next one will be just as good!

'til next time!

Cheers,

m