Banana Bread

Do you have bananas blackening in the fruit basket? Don't want to attract those pesky fruit flies?

This is  another simple recipe that anyone can make especially during this lock-down.  Encourage your children and/or spouse to hang out and assist you as you prepare this comfort food.  If you are alone at this time go ahead and make yourself this well deserved treat.  If you can video chat with a friend then you can make it with each other remotely.

 I always add 2 tablespoons of brandy just to make me happy and boost the flavors of this incredibly humble and often overlooked creation for the dessert table. The brandy, nutmeg and nuts are totally optional, but I can't imagine my banana bread without them. The best part is that no fancy equipment is used in making a banana bread. You probably have all you need in even the simplest of kitchens.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
3/4 cup walnuts roughly chopped (large pieces) - optional


Wet Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil or other vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 -2 tablespoon of good brandy (optional)
2 large eggs

3 medium ripe bananas or 2 1/2 large ( mashed with a fork)

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and grease the bottom and sides of the pan.  I used a kitchen spray to grease the pan.

Put all the dry ingredients except the walnuts in a large bowl.  Whisk together to make sure all the ingredients are well blended.

Add the nuts and stir so that they are coated with flour

Put all the wet ingredients in another vessel. I used a measuring cup.  Add the eggs and whisk well with a fork or whisk to ensure the eggs are well blended into all the liquids

Add the liquids to the dry mixture and blend with a spatula or spoon until all the flour is mixed in.  Do not over-mix.


Last add the mashed bananas and stir well with the spatula or spoon until the banana mash is mixed into the dough.

Pour the batter into a loaf pan. Smooth-en the top and put it in the preheated oven for 50 - 60 minutes.  The loaf is done when a toothpick or skewer pushed down the middle comes out dry and clean. The loaf will also be nice and brown and firm to your touch when you gently press on the top.

Let the loaf cool before slicing. Enjoy!