BANANA-NANA

c/o Bon Appetit

Did that get your attention? Good, it got mine too. 

This weekend I tried a new banana bread recipe. I used to make banana bread almost three times a month, basically every week, and my mom baked it on a regular basis growing up. My family had perfected the recipe. But I have since cut myself off, mostly because I don't have as much free baking time as I would like and secondly, because I have no one to eat it with me. This weekend was different. I had four bananas calling my name and I knew just want they wanted.  A few weeks ago, my mom sent me an article about "The Best Banana Bread", so I figure I would give it a shot. The recipe is pretty easy. I couldn't find my electric mixer, so I beat the butter and sugar with my own two arms, while watching the U.S. Open, of course.

To start, you will need the usual players: some very ripe bananas, eggs, butter, flour, baking soda, and salt. But something different that I was not use to seeing was dark brown sugar instead of regular sugar, and mascarpone instead of sour cream. I followed along and the batter came out to be a nice caramel color. 

I baked it in the oven for 60 minutes at 350 degrees and it came out lovely. I omitted the optional nuts and chocolate chips because I wanted to see how it would be all my itself. Next time I am going to add my usual blueberries.

Serve warm.

I have to say, it was pretty delicious. I am waiting for my mom's stamp of approval, but it might just take the place of our family recipe.

Make sure you ad the mascarpone on top. Its delicious. 

What is your family baking tradition?