Banana bread

 

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup (80g) plain yogurt or sour cream (I use Greek yogurt)
• 2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 large ripe bananas)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• optional: 3/4 cup (100g) chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or coat with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.
3. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. On medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the yogurt, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract on medium speed until combined. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until no flour pockets remain. Do not overmix. Fold in the nuts, if using.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 60-65 minutes. Loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil after 30 minutes to help prevent the top and sides from getting too brown. A toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf will come out clean when the bread is done. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
5. Cover and store banana bread at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Banana bread tastes best on day 2 after the flavors have settled together. See post above for freezing instructions.

The best ice cream

I have just stumbled on the best ice cream recipe: creamy, rich and edible STRAIGHT FROM THE FREEZER!. In the past, it was always very hard. So here it is:

4 free-range eggs, separated
75g/2½oz caster sugar
300ml/½pint double cream

1/2 tin condensed milk

Vanilla flavour:1 tsp vanilla extract
Ginger flavour:100g/3½oz stem ginger, chopped, plus 4 tbsp syrup from the jar
Coffee and brandy flavour:2-3 tbsp coffee essence, 2 tbsp brandy
Raspberry flavour: 150ml/5fl oz sieved raspberry purée (you could also use strawberry)

Method

Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed.
Slowly whisk in the caster sugar, then continue to whisk until the egg whites are stiff and glossy.

Whisk the cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form when the whisk is removed.

Whisk the egg yolks until pale and foamy. Whisk in the condensed milk.

Fold the cream, egg yolks and milk mixture and your chosen flavouring (see ingredients list) into the meringue mixture until well combined.

Pour into a plastic container and freeze for at least two hours.