SOUR CREAM BANANA BREAD

There were some of those nasty little fruit flies in my kitchen this morning and the bananas were the source so it was time to make some banana bread. With a house full of people this weekend, it will come in handy.

This recipe has been my favorite. It is very moist and the sour cream gives it a great flavor.



I did double the recipe since I had four bananas to use up so I will just give the doubled amounts right away. First beat 2 cups of bananas until smooth and big lumps are gone.

Next the recipe calls for 1 cup of oil, but I use 1/2 cup of oil and 1/2 cup of applesauce to cut down on the oil.

I only use the cold pressed olive oil. Once you use this stuff, nothing else compares to it.

Beat the oil and applesauce into the bananas

Now you need four eggs. And yes that measuring cup is the same one I used for the oil and applesauce. I don't believe in washing any more dishes than I have to.

Pour in 2 cups of sugar. Mix until eggs and sugar are blended in.

Next is the magic ingredient. A cup of sour cream. No need to measure since its an 8 oz container.

2 tsp of vanilla

Now this isn't on the ingredient list but I put it in almost every bread I make. I added 3-4 Tablespoons of ground flax seed. Everybody can use some omega 3 and flax is a great source. Don't tell anybody its in there and they'll never know.

Add 3 cups of flour

2 tsp of baking soda

1 tsp of salt

Now beat this until well blended. Make sure you grease your pans. I like to make these mini loaves.

Then I add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. That way everyone gets it the way they like it, with nuts, chocolate chips or plain. My favorite is with the nuts and chips in. I know I've got some siblings who freak out if anything has nuts in it but I have really learned to like them.

I bake these small loaves at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. A regular size loaf pan would probably need 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick and see if it comes out clean.

When we were growing up Mom would make cookies and if she wanted them to last more than 2 hours, she would put nuts in and Dad would have cookies for several days.

This is what happens when you're trying to hurry and clean up the kitchen. Mini chocolate chips everywhere.

I bet you want a slice of this right now!

This batch made seven of these little loaves. Only six are shown because the kids came and devoured a whole one already.

Here's the single batch version:

Sour Cream Banana Bread

1 cup mashed bananas

1/4 cup oil

1/4 cup applesauce

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God iw with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

BEST EVER MEAT LOAF

This meat loaf is so moist and colorful, its been our favorite for some time now.
First I'll list the ingredients.

2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3 slices bread, torn into pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped green pepper
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 cup shredded cheese (whatever kind you prefer, cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 to 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

First take the ground beef and crumble into a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk and bread.

Mix together and let stand until the bread absorbs the liquids.
Add the onions and peppers. Note: I am known to not measure when I cook so my measurements are not precise. Sorry but its just the way I am.
And now the carrots.
Parsley is next.
And some salt and pepper.

This is what it looks like. Now I'd better let her stir this up cause its driving her crazy not to stir!
Now we can stir and make sure you sing a stirring song cause it helps the stirring process.
Lets check the recipe. Oops we forgot to tell you to add the cheese! Get it in there and stir some more.
Now dump it over the ground beef.
Get back to stirring. This is a real work out for a 3 year old. There's that tongue again.


Press into a loaf pan. Now you don't have to make these holes in it but I always have. It helps the meat loaf to get done in the middle without overcooking the outside. Just poke your finger in to the bottom about six times. Place in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Mix topping ingredients:
1/2 cup ketchup
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 tsp mustard
(No I did not measure these exact)

Remove from oven and spread over meat loaf. Return to oven for another 30 minutes.
The Best Ever Meat Loaf.
For the Lord God is out light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. Psalm 84:11

CARAMEL CAKE

Hannah was in a baking mood so as long as I had a loaf of frozen bread dough already thawed out, we made Caramel Cake. First take a loaf of frozen dough and allow it to thaw but not rise. Cut it in half lengthwise and then again crosswise and one more time lengthwise. Did that confuse you? It did me. An electric knife works best for this.


Next, take a bundt cake pan and spray with cooking spray. I think there was a little extra sprayed in the pan because it was pooled up in the bottom. Oh well, whats next Grandma?
Mix together 3/4 cup of sugar and a Tablespoon of cinnamon.
Now comes the fun part. Roll each piece of dough in the sugar mixture and place in bundt pan.



This step takes intense concentration. Notice the tongue helping out.

After the dough is all in the pan, pour the remaining sugar/cinnamon over the top.

Now the dough needs to "rest" so we cover it with a towel. Let dough raise until doubled.

Pour one cup of brown sugar over raised dough.

Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over brown sugar. Boy this is gettin good.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes. It is very carmelly and good hot. Hannah had chocolate ice cream with hers. Good Stuff.

Choose for yourself this day who you will serve...But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15