Going Bananas

The other day I opened my freezer to find that we were being taken over by frozen bananas. We buy bananas all the time because my son was on this banana kick and loved to eat them every morning. Then all of the sudden he was over it and with this diet we had to stop eating them too because they have too much sugar. So looking in the freezer you’d think we were saving up for the whole neighborhood.

I was cleaning the house and thought it would be a good idea to clean out the freezer. So instead of throwing out all the frozen bananas I decided that I would try my hands at making banana bread. It always seemed like it would be easy and I always love a warm loaf of banana bread anytime of the year.

Turns out it really was easy. The hardest part was not eating any of it myself because of this diet that I am on. But something about making a treat and taking it to someone in need relaxes me and helps me cope with stress or if I am ever feeling down. I mean, it’s not like I get depressed a lot and have to go baking to get out of it. It’s just one of the great ways I am able to get through my thoughts and clear my head.

So if you are ever having a hard day, just remember, someones life is a little harder and maybe you should make something to take over to them. Sometimes taking time out of your stressful day to do something kind for someone else is just the medicine you need. Enjoy!

banana bread 2

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

My Grandma’s Banana Bread

Makes 2 large loaves

2 c. sugar

1 c butter, softened

3 cups of sifted flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 c buttermilk

8 overripe bananas

(If bananas are frozen it’s  easier to mash them up. Put them in large bowl, heat up, drain liquid, and smash them up.)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease two loaf pans. In a standing mixer cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. With mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the vanilla, buttermilk and bananas. Add the flour mixture and mix until everything is combined. Divide batter between the two prepared pans and bake for 1 hour. Remove from oven and turn loaves out onto cooling rack immediately. Let cool.