best banana bread ever

I think I make this banana bread at least twice a month, sometimes more. It seems like I'm the only one in this house eating bananas. I can't get Danny and Cate to eat them. I have no idea what's up with that. Kids are supposed to love bananas, right? It's ok though. Danny loves banana bread. Cate can take it or leave it.

The recipe I use is from a cookbook I received many years ago. I think my mom gave it to me but I can't be positive. I'd ask her but I don't think she'd remember either.



The book is called How To Catch A Man Cookbook. I think my mom gave it to me when I was in college. Maybe she was trying to drop a not-so-subtle hint. It was published in 1979 (when I was only 6...I'm not that old). Does that make it vintage? Does that make me vintage?

The dedication reads, "This book is dedicated to 'dear' hunters on all levels of experience, who want to catch and keep their man." Lovely.

I've only ever used this cookbook for the banana bread. I'm sure there's lots of other yummy man-catching recipes in it. How about Best Hamdogs? Those are sure to get the men running to your kitchen, right? Maybe some Lazy Daisy Cake for dessert. And what man can turn away a big chunk of On Target Meatloaf? No man I know, that's for sure. I'll save those for another day.

Check out the binding on the page before the banana bread recipe.



Yep. It's been broken in. There are a few tips on the bread intro page. Stuff about yeast and kneading and flour. My favorite is the last sentence.

"Keep these tips in mind and your chances for catching that man of your dreams will be greatly increased!"



Banana Nut Bread

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3 large bananas, mashed
1 cup or more pecans
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix well and bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes. Important not to over cook. Does not spring back when touched to test for doneness.

My changes:

I leave out the nuts. I like them. Danny doesn't. He calls them seeds and picks them out.

I add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter. That's what makes this banana bread the best.

I also add 1 cup (or way more than that) of mini chocolate chips. Who am I kidding? That's what really makes this banana bread the best.

I use mini loaf pans instead of the regular ones. I think the bread cooks more evenly that way. Plus, the slices are just the right size for Danny.

I turn the mini loaf pans over onto a cookie rack to cool. That way, they loosen out of the pans in their own time, leaving no chunks at the bottom of the pan. Also, the cookie rack leaves nice little indentations on top for cutting even slices (although I would be able to figure out how to slice a mini loaf of banana bread without the little lines).



Here's the picture Danny took of me baking. He picked up my camera and said, "Hey, Mama. I take your picture. Now, bake someting!"

Now go and bake the best banana bread ever for yourself and the ones you love.

Enjoy!