Cooking Resources

PA Baker · 05-13-2005, 03:22 PM

We've been talking about this recipe a lot lately on various threads so I figured it was worth re-posting. In addition to Audeo's chocolate- and candy-making knowledge, I think we can all agree that this recipe is one of her legacies! I believe she originally got it from Cooks Illustrated on PBS. This is her original post with her notes/comments:

The BEST Banana Bread

Butter a non-stick bread pan, then flour well. (The flour is really important for the bread to “climb” against while baking. I had not done that before, and it makes a huge difference!)

Combine and mix well the following dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside:
2 cups AP flour
¾ cup sugar
½ cup toasted coarsely chopped walnuts
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

In another medium bowl, coarsely smash 3 ripe bananas (use a large spoon or spatula and don’t puree – the banana needs to be chunky)

To the bananas, add and combine: (but try not to reduce the banana chunks)

2 large eggs, beaten
6 Tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently FOLD until the flour is thoroughly moistened. Pour into the prepared bread pan and spread the mixture evenly across the top.

Bake in a preheated 350-degree (F) oven for 45-50 minutes.

Before, I had mixed my batter in my KitchenAid, the wet stuff first, then added the dry and mixed some more. Making banana bread with this method yields a hearty, beautiful loaf that just yells “BANANA!” with every bite. Absolutely delicious!

Otter · 05-13-2005, 06:35 PM

Haven't heard from Audeo in a while - I miss her.

Chief Longwind Of The North · 05-14-2005, 12:07 AM

Me to. She was/is one of the greats on this site.

Seeeeya; Goodweed of the North

**kadesma** · 05-14-2005, 07:54 PM

Pa Baker, This recipe is similar to one I make..I've found I love chunks of banana in my banana bread, so, I let the banana skin get really speckled, then I squish the banana right in the peel..It will come out whole but will break up into good sized pieces..I then just add it to the already mixed batter and bake..And the plus is no dirty dish or fork

kadesma

lyndalou · 05-17-2005, 04:57 AM

Where is Audeo? I love this bread, it's a favorite in our home.

luvs · 05-23-2005, 07:22 PM

i'll e-mail her.

SizzlininIN · 09-08-2005, 11:32 AM

I have a loaf of her bread baking in the oven as I type. Had to make another trip to the store to get some ingredients but I'm sure its going to be worth it. I'm not a big baker but read in our local newspaper last night about reassessing your baking ingredients when preparing to bake. I knew my pure vanilla hasn't been used in awhile so I pitched it and bought fresh. I can't wait to try this.........I don't think I'm going to make it till supper though.

GB · 09-08-2005, 12:27 PM

Sizz this is such a good bread. You are going to love it!

PA Baker · 09-08-2005, 01:15 PM

GB's right, sizz. It'll be gone before dinner!!!

SizzlininIN · 09-08-2005, 02:00 PM

I couldn't resist.....I had to have a tiny slice....very good! I think I'll have to send the rest to work with hubby though or else my excercise/weight goals will be down the tube. I'm gonna have to walk an extra mile for my endulgence but oh well it was worth it :)