Banana Bread

It is that time of year again, the end of November is time to start planning my christmas shopping list.  Many of my friends have pretty much finished their shopping spree so I feel very unprepared for this festive season. It only feels like yesterday that we were barbecuing in the garden in the Summer. This year has flown by, and I have just realised it is another 8 months till my wedding, argh.... Got to get my dress (or dresses) plus my bridesmaid dresses amongst other things. But today I must concentrate on my christmas list!

So to fuel my motivation of sorting out my present shopping plan I need a big mug of tea filled with caffeine and a sugar loaded cake.

Looking around my kitchen, I noticed two very sad and bruised bananas I had neglected for a good week or so. They were definitely way past their best but to avoid wastage I decided to make use of them in baking.

After scouring the internet for a simple yet appropriate banana recipe I settled for Banana Bread. I had all the ingredients in my larder and the preparation was so easy, even for me (a unsuccessful baker).

After waiting for the cake to cool, a couple of slices of this sweet cake and a large mug of strong English tea definitely did the job and I've nearly finished my plan on tackling christmas shopping. All I need to do now is to battle the crowds at the shopping centre tomorrow. I may even pick up a few festive food goodies at the German market, so looking forward to it. Plus I still have a few slices left over for tomorrow's breakfast, yum.

Banana Bread (makes 1 loaf)

• 2 ripe large bananas (mashed)
• 4 oz butter (melted)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups plain flour
• 3/4 cup caster sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp bicarbonate soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 oz walnuts (chopped up into smaller pieces)

Preheat the oven to 180C.

In a large mixing bowl mix together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate soda, salt and walnuts, and stir to combine.

In another bowl mix together the wet ingredients: bananas, butter, eggs and vanilla extract.

Fold the wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients until it is all combined.

Line the loaf pan with baking paper or a loaf liner.

Pour all the ingredients into the loaf tin and you can decorate the top with extra banana slices or walnuts. 

Bake in the oven for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.  When ready leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before cooling completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled slice to eat.