Yesterday I teased you with tea and banana bread.

Oh my!  It is The BEST banana bread.

Maybe the yummiest ever!!

You couldn’t believe that I would withhold the recipe until today.

I hope we’re still friends! [grin]

 

Tea Time Banana Bread :: AnExtraordianryDay.net

 

Just look at it sitting on the plate with that creamy pat of butter.

Mouth-watering.  Extraordinary.  Moist.  Flavorful.  Delicious.  Banana Bread.

I know you want to reach into your screen and pick up a slice.

This banana bread is the wonderful balance of light and hearty.

Delicate for a ladies’ tea and yet filling for your lunch with cheese and apple slices.

 

One Year Blogiversary :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Do you have some pretty dishes that you never use?

Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee or cocoa in a pretty cup or mug and place your sumptuous slice of banana bread on your pretty plate.

It’s a tea party for one.

Would that not make your morning breakfast or afternoon tea extraordinary?

I’m always saying that it is the little things that make our lives more beautiful.

Sure you can grab a napkin and eat your slice of heaven standing up.

But, it only takes a few more minutes to place it on your prettiest plate and sit down and breathe while you savor your slice and your tea.

After all…“Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary.”

 

Loaf of Banana Bread :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The Best Banana Bread Ever – the recipe

Ingredients

Method

  • Preheat over to 350 degrees.
  • Butter the inside of a loaf pan.
  • Slice the four bananas into a separate bowl and use a pastry blender to smash them well.
  • In a separate bowl mix the flour, soda, and salt together well, and set aside.
  • Melt butter in small sauce pan on low.
  • Using a large bowl and electric mixer, beat the eggs.
  • Once the eggs are beaten, place the beater(s) back into the egg mixture, and on low, slowly add the melted butter and blend  in the butter, vanilla, and sugar.
  • Turn the mixer up to medium high for a few seconds and then turn back down to low and add in the smashed bananas.
  • Slowly pour the flour into the wet mixture while continuing to mix on low.  Mix until everything is wet and well incorporated.  Do not over mix.
  • Using your scraper, pour the mixture into your buttered loaf pan.
  • Place the filled loaf pan in the oven for 50 minutes.  Feel free to check it a minute or two early if your oven runs warm.  If your bananas are quite large, it may take another five minutes or so.  It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the crack in the top comes out clean.
  • Invert on to a wire rack. Turn it on its side to cool.
  • Slice the best banana bread ever…and Enjoy!

 

Tips:  

If you like you may add:

  • a half bag of chocolate chips.  Gently incorporate them after everything else has been mixed in.
  • 1/2 Cup of walnuts or pecans.  Mix as above.
  • reduce your sugar up to half if you don’t have a sweet tooth.

My organic market has ‘banana bread’ bananas.  They are 50 cents a pound rather than the usual $1.19.  We only buy what we can eat at the regular price and pop over there for BB bananas.  That’s planned savings!

You might think this is really silly.  But I had an ‘ah ha’ experience the other day and thought I would share it with you.  When a recipe calls for 1 and 1/2 cups of something you can use your 3/4  cup measuring cup twice, rather than using two different measuring cups.  Please tell me I’m not the only person to finally think of this.  [sheepish grin]

I use Organic Sucanat because it is Fair Trade and much lower on the glycemic index and contains beneficial minerals which help balance blood sugar.  You may notice that the bread is more richly colored.  That is because Sucanat is made from the whole sugar cane and what you see is the molasses coloring the bread.  I think it also makes for a richer flavor.  And yes… it does cost more.  I think good health is worth it.

Pastured Eggs.  What?  If you can purchase eggs from a farmer, a roadside stand, a neighbor…you are getting eggs from a chicken that roams and eats bugs and gets sunshine.  The nutritional benefits and the flavor make those eggs a zillion times better than those stressed out snipped beak birds who never see the light of day…and I am only slightly eggagerating.  So when you drive by the place with the sign for brown, or blue or green…stop and buy an armload.

Disclosure:  The ingredient links above are products I use and were added for your convenience.  I am an Amazon Affiliate and will receive a small percentage from your purchase of these items and any others that you add to your shopping cart through these links.  Thank you so much. 

 

And here’s a graphic to pin….

 

There's banana bread... and then there's really good, need one more piece, kind of banana bread. This Extraordinary Delicious Banana Bread Recipe will disappear in a flash... just a little fair warning. AnExtraordinaryDay.net inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Would you share the joy and inspiration here by using one or more of the sharing buttons and invite your friends to visit here? Thanks!!

Diane

 

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Comments

  1. melinda says

    http://pinterest.com/drpilk/

    Love all your work… & your spirit!!

  2. Diane, I love banana bread and needed a good recipe. This sounds and looks delicious! Happy Blogoversary to you. May there be many, many more! 🙂

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your kind wishes Susan!! 🙂
      We love the bread at our house…I do hope you enjoy it, too!

  3. Do justly, love mercy.etc……Love them all but that hit a note for me. You’re the best..Praise the Lord. I love your photos and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the use of your lovely Longaberger, which I also have and sell. Isn’t it a great product? In fact, I have this basket you’re displaying with the banana bread. Awesome.

    • Diane says

      My husband says that he would pick that one too. It really is what we are to be about. Though not easy. You just made my day Cookie! Thank you for your kind words. 😉 That is one of my favorite baskets Cookie. It’s just the right size for serving and displaying. I’m just disappointed that I broke one of the peony vases that went with it. Phooey. Shhh…but tomorrow…I have a small Longaberger giveaway. 😉
      Blessings, friend!!

  4. Carol says

    “Let Your Dreams Set Sail”…..All of them are wonderful, but I’m a “coastal girl” at heart 🙂
    I am definitely going to make your banana bread – looks amazing. I am a new follower and also following you on Pinterest. Hope you come to visit me and also on Pinterest.

    Blessings, Carol

    • Diane says

      Awesome! Thanks Carol! I will!!
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Weekend!

  5. Glenda Kremer says

    WOW! comments –where to start –well I guess the banana bread–thanks for tips as I was scrolling thru my first question was going to be “do you ever add nuts?” thanks for recipe. I do less sugar for health! as for the art I would choose “EVEN THE WAVES OBEY HIM” I think that is it–special as we just bought a condo at Hilton Head and the beach is my favorite place in the world! so I have left a comment and in the past I have done the 4 other things you said to do for extra chances to win so do I need to do them again? do I need to do anything else to enter for this gift?
    hugs!!!
    Glenda

    • Diane says

      Thank you…I do hope you like it!! Let me know.
      Glenda…you can come back to this post and leave 3 more comments…
      On one you can say…”I shared this on Facebook” (if you did)
      Another you can say…”I am already a subscriber.”
      And another you can say that you are following me on Pinterest.
      Go for it!!

  6. Diane, I shall have to hoard bananas to make this! Thank you for the information on sucanat; I don’t know that I have ever heard of it before.
    How does one decide among so many designs and verses and thoughts? But I think it must be Phil 4:8 for me – Whatever is lovely think about these things.
    This has been such a lovely week to celebrate with you. Your enthusiasm for sharing life is so wonderful!

  7. Carol says

    Congrats on your blogiversary celebration! Time flies when you’re having fun blogging doesn’t it?!

    • Diane says

      It sure does Carol!
      Thanks for taking time to pop over!!
      You ARE extraordinary!

  8. Dianne says

    Micah 6:8!!! My favorite verse, one I hope to have on my tombstone, if I should go before the rapture!! And one I try to live up to.

    • Diane says

      That’s a great verse Dianne! It’s a favorite in our house too!!
      Best wishes for an extraordinary weekend!

  9. Mel says

    Ohhhh…..banana bread!! Can I just say it looks wonderful, especially on that pretty little plate? *sigh* I’m one of those who doesn’t TAKE the moment to dish it up, plant myself and just BREATHE when I bake something. I’m stealing bits here and there and serving it up to someone else. By the time I’ve nibbled on the bits and pieces, I’ve had my slice…or two….LOL But I think you’re right–just by description alone, there’s a warmth that comes with a pretty plate and cup and a moment of sitting to just BE. And we use sucanat here–I don’t think we even have a bag of refined sugar in this house. He-who-does-the-cooking tsk-tsks it. LOL
    Right…….. NOW–I’m hungry for banana bread! LOL
    Oh–and out of all those wonderful prints? “Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your G-d” I’m workin’ on that “humbly” bit. 😉

    • Diane says

      Ah…’walk humbly.’ That…is our biggest challenge. Pride hides around every corner and sneaks up on us. :-/
      I was thinking that maybe you wouldn’t be able to enjoy a slice…do you use almond flour or something else?
      As for taking time to be in the moment…we need those moments so we can be more of a blessing when we’re ‘serving it up’ to others. This girl knows from experience that an empty cup doesn’t provide much. ;-/
      Hope there are warm breezes and bits of green coming on at your house. [hugs]

      • Mel says

        Oh, we have a local gal who makes mixes for banana and blueberry muffins/bread. NO clue what she puts in the mix–but I do know she’s got it down pretty good. Even the fussy one thinks they’re pretty darn good eating!
        *laughing* Which means I’m forced to share….. 😉

        • Diane says

          That’s wonderful!! I know a good batch is something I could eat the whole batch of…one little bite at a time! LOL!!

    • Diane says

      Congratulations!! You are a WINNER! 😀
      Please choose your favorite Red Letter Words 12×12 Cafe Mounted Art Print and e-mail me with your info so it can quickly wing its way to you.
      Blessings!

  10. Tammy says

    What a yummy recipe! Those signs are all great! Thank you for sharing at Rustic Restorations Weekend!

  11. Willow says

    “If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, oh have to find the courage to live it.” ~ John Irving.

    There are so many that I find inspiring, but this one seems to fit lately. Your banana bread looks divine. I will be making it this weekend for sure. I love your page and blog.

    • Diane says

      What a great saying, Willow!!
      Awww…thanks for you kind words!
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  12. Willow says

    I shared this on Facebook. It would be a wonderful birthday present for myself. I have so many recipes that I have compiled that are all scattered in a drawer on index cards.

  13. Nicole Criswell says

    I liked, shared, and commented on Facebook. I also liked, commented, and repinned on Pinterest, and am following you on Pinterest too! Love this basket, thanks for the opportunity to win!

    • Diane says

      You’ve done it all!! Now to pray and wait! 😉
      Hope your weekend has been extraordinary!!

  14. Gwen says

    I love this sight! My two faves are the red Joy to the World…
    Plus the Give Thanks to The Lord

    I already follow you on Pinterest!
    It’s been nice following your blog and spiritual growth in tough times…I relate as well.
    No we aren’t doing seven blessings but ill list seven: Mom is doing well with meds for a UTI , I laughed today, I got to cut flowers and deadhead some sitting down with my husband nearby, we had leftovers!, I talked to my Mom, my family is important, a pretty good day

    • Diane says

      Oh…those are good ones Gwen!

      I’m so blessed that you would share seven more today! Praise God for His goodness in your week. I would have liked to have heard your laugh…I bet it was music to everyone’s ears. [hugs]

  15. kesha says

    I love the She Knew. . . Rubies art print

  16. kesha says
  17. kesha says

    I subscribe to you via email

  18. kesha says

    I like you on Facebook

  19. kesha says

    I follow you on pinterest

  20. Angela says

    Banana bread is the best. I made some the other day, but it doesn’t look this good 🙂 I’m your newest follower. You can find me decorating, painting and baking on HickoryTrail

    • Diane says

      We picked up banana bread bananas at the organic market Saturday…they are calling me to make more bread. 😉
      Thanks for joining in the community here Angela!
      Wishing you an Extraordinary week!

  21. Judy says

    Yummmy! I love Banana Bread. I normally use Banana Essence.

    Please share your recipe at Pin It Monday Hop#7. I hope to see your there.

    Judy
    pursuitoffunctionalhome.com/

    • Diane says

      Thanks Judy!
      Banana bread is one of my favorite comfort foods, too. What is Banana Essence? Hmmm…I guess I need to Google it. 😉

  22. What an awesome recipe! I follow on Pinterest and I love Scripture! So many verses to choose from – but Jer 29:11 (For I know the plans I have for you…) particularly speaks to my heart.

    Many blessings to you in the days, months and years to come! 🙂

    • Diane says

      Thank you Ramona!! Hope you try it. I just got done making another loaf…with chocolate chips this time. Yum.
      I love that verse too…what a great promise!! [hugs]

  23. This looks delicious. I would love for you to visit me at My Dream Canvas. I am also currently hosting a giveaway from the famous tabletop and giftware brand Mikasa. You can enter to win some pretty dishes 🙂

    • Diane says

      Thanks Anu for your kind words and invitation! 😉

  24. I LOVE the “She Knew Formed” print! Thanks for the recipe!

  25. I subscribe in my Reader and on FB!

    • Diane says

      Which Reader are you using Barbie…Bloglovin’?

  26. I shared on FB!

  27. I follow on Pinterest as “Barbie Swihart”

    • Diane says

      I will find you….
      Sorry…the winner was chosen and your name wasn’t drawn. [sad face]

  28. Oh my goodness ~ this looks and sounds fabulous! I LOVE banana bread. 🙂

  29. denice meyer says

    Nice..my comment

    • Diane says

      Thanks for participating Denice!
      Please come back and enjoy the blog sometime. I’d love to know what you think.
      You ARE extraordinary!

  30. Mary says

    Banana bread just has to be healthy, doesn’t it? Like zucchini bread, carrot cake, apple tart, prune or fig cake……..anything with fruits or veggies sounds good to me!!

    This one looks delish – and the great organic ingredients must make the flavor SO good!

    HAPPY WEEKEND – MARY

    • Diane says

      I think you are so right, Mary!! And yes…good organic ingredients really do punch up the flavor.
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  31. Jamie says

    YUM! It looks delicious! Thanks so much for linking up to Give Me The Goods Monday!
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

  32. It looks like a fabulous recipe and I love your use of healthy ingredients.

    Thanks so much for joining in this week!

    xo
    Claudia

    • Diane says

      It is Claudia. 🙂 Maybe when you get home, you’ll be able to bake it for your sweetie. 🙂

  33. Banana bread is one of my favorites too.

    • Diane says

      I think it’s comfort food. 🙂
      Thanks for stopping by!!

  34. Susan says

    I just want to reach right through my computer screen and grab a slice of that yummy looking bread. Thank you so much for your recipe and all of your inspiring thoughts. You are a ray of sunshine!

    Big Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

    • Diane says

      You are so sweet Susan!! Would Bentley get a piece too?
      Big hugs back to you and Bentley!!

  35. Doni says

    Wow that just makes me sooooooo hungry for a huge slice!!! I LOVE banana bread, so I copied your recipe. I certainly hope I can make it sugar free and get the same texture as your pics….being a diabetic is not easy…
    I am so excited you shared the recipe though…thank you for joining the party!!!
    Blessings,
    Doni

    • Diane says

      Oh let me know how it turns out, Doni.
      What do you use for your sugar substitute? I have a friend who has good success with baked goods….I’ll ask her what she uses and let you know.
      Blessings!

  36. Hi Diane, gosh I’ve been coming across more and more yummy banana bread recipes lately. This recipe sounds really good. I’m going to give it a try. 🙂

    • Diane says

      Let me know what you think, Veronica. We are enjoying a loaf right now. 😉
      Hope your week is extraordinary!

  37. Kathy says

    That’s very close to the recipe I’ve made for years! Love having over-ripe bananas to make bread – sometimes I add chocolate chips, or cinnamon or most often pecans – Dearest’s favorite.
    I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    • Diane says

      There can be a lot of differences in the recipes…if you have a similar one….I’ll bet your Dearest *is* thrilled when you make it. I just baked another loaf tonight and added a dash of nutmeg to it. Very subtle and Mm Mm Good!

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