Thankful Day 3 Loving to Bake Banana Bread by Helpfulhannah

I do enjoy Baking on these cool fall days, but I miss my old Neighbors because after I baked I would knock on their door and hand them half the Banana Bread I had Baked knowing they would enjoy it . The smiles on their faces always made feel  wonderful inside 

I would always make different variations  just to see which ones came out the best . It never mattered to my neighbors Rick and Joe they always loved whatever I made .The other day I found a recipe I love . I am really thankful that I love to bake .

Debe Maxwell, CRS  reminded me how lucky I am to suddenly get an urge to want to bake a banana bread and do it . I am thankful for this gift and love of cooking. Although my waistline after making these delights if not eaten in moderation is not pleased with me. 

Here is my  new holiday favorite recipe  it is rather easy and quite delicious 

2 cups of flour 

1 tsp baking soda 

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp of salt 

whisk together and set aside 

1/3 cup of softened  butter (be sure the butter is room temp and soft)

2/3 cup of sugar    mix  the butter and sugar  together until creamy ( I do it by hand ) 

2 EGGS  room temp  beat the eggs -  slowly add  sugar mixture until creamy w/ + 1/2 cup of real sour cream 

1 tsp  vanilla 

1 tsp almond extract  this is optional 

3 over ripe banana mash, leave in pieces 

Now measure 1/2 cups raisins , 1/2 cups walnuts , 1/2 cup of chocolate chips 

slowly mix all the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until it is almost mixed slowly mix in raisins , nuts ,and, chocolate chips --

Oops, I forgot to tell you butter the pan and flour it so nothing sticks -

you need to pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees 

Pour mixture into the pan - take another half a cup of walnuts and scatter over the top  if you have some oatmeal scatter over the top cook for 55-65 minute 

You will know when it is done not only will the timer go off, but your home will smell heavenly -  take a toothpick insert in the middle if it comes out wet leave it in for another 5 minutes  if it comes out with chocolate try another spot 

Let it cool on a rack for about  thirty minutes, maybe 20 then release onto a plate 

let it sit another thirty minutes if you can stand it, then slice a piece OMG YUM

I am thankful that I found this  Banana Bread recipe hope you try it too