i use the recipe from "The Tassajara Bread Book". It's simply perfect, and easily adapted to use with chunky applesauce and even homemade jam (of which I have many extra jars this time of year, as I try to clear out last year's inventory as this year's is flowing in). I'll send the recipe to you, if you like. It's copyrighted material, so I won't post it, of course. ;o)
I've used the Too Hot Tamale (does anyone else miss their show?) recipe forever and it is extremely moist and buttery. Reading through the other recipes I think this might be because it calls for a whole stick of butter... ; )
I was recently experimenting with banana bread and had a break through -- roast the bananas ahead of time! OMG! The flavor was AWESOME! I split the bananas lengthwise and put on parchment paper in a 400 degree oven for about 45 minutes. They ooze and caramelize, and when added to the banana bread dough add amazing texture and flavor depth. I peeled all the ooze off the parchment and added it -- even the parts that were really dark.
This is a good banana-y one I've been making for years, tweaking it a little over time. The batter can also be baked in muffin tins.
1/4 C. unsalted butter, softened
1 C. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 very ripe or overripe bananas, coarsely mashed (frozen and thawed is OK)
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional--it won't taste cinnamon-y, just more complex )
1/2 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour a loaf pan (or use baking spray).
Cream butter and sugar till light. Add egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated, then add bananas to combine (mixture will look a curdled mess; it's OK). Stir together remaining ingredients, then add to wet mixture in 2 or 3 additions, mixing until the dry ingredients are just fully incorporated; do not overbeat. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for about 1 hour, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out with no wet batter and just a few moist crumbs.
VARIATIONS: add 3/4 C chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, or 3/4 C toasted shredded coconut, or grated zest of 1/2 a lemon or orange.
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I've used the Too Hot Tamale (does anyone else miss their show?) recipe forever and it is extremely moist and buttery. Reading through the other recipes I think this might be because it calls for a whole stick of butter... ; )
http://food52.com/recipes/10424_banana_bread
It has unsweetened coconut flakes which gives the bread a nice flavor and fragrance that complements the bananas.
1/4 C. unsalted butter, softened
1 C. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 very ripe or overripe bananas, coarsely mashed (frozen and thawed is OK)
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional--it won't taste cinnamon-y, just more complex )
1/2 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour a loaf pan (or use baking spray).
Cream butter and sugar till light. Add egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated, then add bananas to combine (mixture will look a curdled mess; it's OK). Stir together remaining ingredients, then add to wet mixture in 2 or 3 additions, mixing until the dry ingredients are just fully incorporated; do not overbeat. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for about 1 hour, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out with no wet batter and just a few moist crumbs.
VARIATIONS: add 3/4 C chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, or 3/4 C toasted shredded coconut, or grated zest of 1/2 a lemon or orange.