Update and Redux: J – Giving and receiving. I like both … yet, giving always comes with a built-in gift of happiness for me. Somehow these banana bread loaves are the perfect gift. We get to work together to make and wrap them. Then, we get to give them out and share in the joy of nourishment and compassion for our friends. Perfect!
J – It’s time to pay the piper …
for a very wonderful gift. I am the year-round beneficiary of baked banana + whatever muffins and mini loaves. Raspberries and walnuts or blackberries or apples. Whatever is available and fresh. I never have to think about what to eat for breakfast. Nice!
Now, it’s my turn to do some more of the writing … like this story … as a big thank you to Christina.
It all started a couple of years ago when Christina asked, “What do you want to do with all these over-ripe bananas?” There must have been a sale.
“Muffins?” I replied, not thinking I was starting a tradition.
And, so, it began. A twice-a-month conversation about finding “old bananas” at the store, which conveniently puts them in a big bag for $1.19, making sure we have some walnuts and discovering what berries or other fruit is on sale.
That’s my job. Then, delicious muffins appear magically in the fridge a day later.
They’re all mini-bagged for convenient morning-time selection … especially, if the coffee is still brewing. I am grateful each morning when I have a couple for breakfast.
Christina’s muffin and mini-loaf making has also extended to client-meeting treats from time to time. We always try to have some tasty food at our strategy meetings with clients. Good strategy requires good energy.
A couple of weeks ago, Christina was wondering what make for holiday gifts?
“Muffins?” I replied, not really thinking about the practicality of it all.
“No way!” she said. “But, mini-loaves would be perfect. Nice size. Super easy to make and to wrap.”
| Holiday Dessert Gift Ideas: Mini Banana Bread Loaves |
- 3⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup canola oil
- 7 bananas, very ripe, mashed
- 4 Tbsp crème fraiche or sour cream
- 2 Tbsp vanilla
- 2 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray ten 5¾” x 3¼” x 2” disposable mini-loaf pans with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, place flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
- Beat sugar and eggs with a whisk or in a stand mixer on medium until light and fluffy. About 10 minutes.
- Drizzle in oil. Mix for a for one minute or until incorporated.
- Add bananas, crème fraiche and vanilla.
- Fold in dry ingredients and nuts.
- Pour into a pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until bread is cooked through.
- Let cool.
- Cover them in aluminum foil and tie with a bow.
- Give them out the everyone you know.
- Enjoy!
So, I did some shopping. Magically, a couple of days later ten mini-banana-bread loaves appeared all ready to wrap. Sampling was irresistible.
Delicious. Moist. Light and well balanced. Not too sweet, either.