Thursday, July 29, 2010

a dash of baking and a bit of cleaning

Darling friends,


When I look to be good and productive I usually do some combination of baking and cleaning. Today, was no exception.   Usually these days happen when I wake up extraordinarily late and feel bad that I wasted a good chunk of the morning.  Today, I woke up at 10:20, to a text asking me if I was awake yet.  I rolled over, and sighed a long-deep breath, not wanting to get out of bed, but at the same moment feeling disgusting that I was still lingering beneath the sheets at such a late hour.  Well, I got home from work late last night, I tell myself to make it better.  And then hop out of bed.


I scurried over to the gym for a workout.  On my way home I needed to stop at the grocery store as I used the last little drop of coffee creamer this morning.  The grocery store is always a place where I spend too much time and money coming up with crazy kitchen baking/cooking ideas.  I was inspired today though!  I got everything I needed for my homemade MY OWN banana bread recipe!!! I rushed home eager to start the baking process!! 


Then realized I forgot the butter. . . and rushed back to the store. . . and back home again!  I love when that happens!  


Connie's Homemade Banana Bread Recipe (all my own)
Ingredients (makes 2)
*1 cup butter (smart balance)
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
*1/4 cup (or less) regular sugar
*4 eggs 
*2 cups buttermilk
*4 1/2 cups flour
*2 tsps baking powder
*8 mashed bananas
*1 tsp nutmeg
*cinnamon to taste (probably like a little less than an 1/8 of a cup)
*1 tbs almond extract
*2 1/2 tsps baking soda


Directions:  Cream shortening and sugars.  Add eggs and stir.  Stir in buttermilk and baking soda.  Stir in almond extract.  Add cinnamon and nutmeg and stir.  Add bananas and stir.  Add flour and baking powder.  Stir.  Pour into bread pans and bake for 60-70 mins (depending on pan size) at 375 degrees!!! ENJOY!!! 


While my bread was in the oven I cleaned out the refrigerator which was a sad, sad mess before I got to it!!!  Look how clean it is now!!! YAY!!! I feel so productive!




Have a productive evening, but make time to relax.
Love Always,

2 comments:

Diana said...

I am sure that mom would be so proud of you! When you get bored, I could use some help!!
The bread looks so freaking good!!!!
Love Di ♥

Maria said...

Hi Amanda!
We're having a nice visit here in Norwich... Doreen and I are having the best time... Nonno is smiling to have company... and Marcy just LOVED her new purse and matching accessories! She and Doreen also enjoyed {very, very much} learning how to frost cupcakes and we sprinkled them with "dundin donuts' colored sprinkles :o)
I got them at King Arthur's a few wks ago!

Your banana bread is sooooo good!!!
I'm glad you're saving one for us :o)
love you much my dear ♥
~mom
ps i must clean out my fridge before g'pa gerry comes next week! yikes! it's grosssssssssss!