Banana Bread & A Gourd Ornament Tutorial

I was unable to post my favorite ornament and how to yet due to my daughter getting sick.

Here is a link to a wonderful tutorial on gourd ornaments. Festive Gourd Ornaments

As far as one of my favorite recipes ~ It has to do with baking. No not pumpkin pie, but something you can make for those cool mornings Banana Bread:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 or 4 overripe bananas
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside. Mash 2 of the bananas with a fork in a small bowl so they still have a bit of texture. With an electric mixer fitted with a wire whisk, whip the remaining bananas and sugar together for a good 3 minutes; you want a light and fluffy banana cream. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla; beat well and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix in the dry ingredients just until incorporated; no need to overly blend. Fold in the nuts and the mashed bananas with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Give the pan a good rap on the counter to get any air bubbles out. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Don't get nervous if the banana bread develops a crack down the center of the loaf; that's no mistake, it's typical. Rotate the pan periodically to ensure even browning. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes or so, and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Toast the slices of banana bread, dust with confectioners' sugar, and serve.

So I hope this holds you over to my next post~ Happy Baking~Thanks for stopping by!

Handmade News !! Lets get cooking!!

Image via Food Network

I think this is a great time to share recipes and how to create your favorite holiday ornaments.

I will be posting mine in the next day or two. Please leave a comment when you visit with your favorites and your email address. ( I promise not to share! ) I will contact you with contact information to get your recipes and/or ornament ideas then I will include it in the post!

I will post favorites on Friday Nov. 20th pm for viewing on Saturday Nov. 21 am! Just in time for your Thanksgiving meals! And breaking out your ornaments!!

Here is a great website to look for articles on how to or for some great craft information.

Handmade News

Don't forget to grab your favorites and contact me! Or if you have it handy just add it in your comment. Looking forward to seeing your favorites!