Aunt Carrie’s Banana Bread ๐๐
Overview:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Recipe Yield: One 5×9 inch loaf (serves 16)
Description:
This is not “just another” banana bread. Passed down through generations, this recipe has stood the test of time, originating from a yellowed newspaper clipping adorned with handwritten notes from my great aunt, a renowned caterer. ๐ฐ๐ฉโ๐ณ Her annotations reveal that this banana bread was a perennial favorite at her teas and luncheons, earning it a cherished place in family gatherings and culinary traditions. ๐
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 4 ripe bananas
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 5×9 inch loaf pan.
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Cream Shortening and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender crumb in the final bread. ๐ฅ๐จ
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Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures proper emulsification and a uniform texture. ๐ฅ๐ฅ
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Mash Bananas: Mash the ripe bananas and blend them thoroughly into the mixture. The bananas not only add sweetness but also moisture and flavor. ๐๐ฆ
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the banana batter, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense bread texture. ๐โจ
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Adjust Consistency: The batter should resemble cake batter. If it’s too thick, add a small dash of milk; if too thin, sprinkle in a bit more flour until you achieve the desired consistency. This step ensures the perfect texture. ๐ฅ๐ฐ
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Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to each bite. ๐ฐ๐
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of freshly baked banana bread will fill your kitchen, signaling that it’s ready to be enjoyed. ๐๐
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Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve it as a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a comforting homemade baked good. Enjoy each moist and flavorful slice with your favorite hot beverage or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. โ๐ฐ
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220.8
- Fat: 9.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1g
- Cholesterol: 26.4mg
- Sodium: 233.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.7g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 16.3g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords:
Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
This beloved family recipe for Aunt Carrie’s Banana Bread is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has been in mine for generations. ๐ก๐ Indulge in the nostalgia and warmth of homemade goodness with every bite of this timeless classic.
