Go Bananas

When I returned home from Ireland this past summer I had two main goals: to study for the GRE and to perfect my banana bread. I found myself frustrated with many banana bread recipes because they are not really bread with all of the sugar, oil, and butter, they are more like cake. And, well, if I wanted cake, I would make cake.  I wanted bread.
I took a recipe that I really liked flavor wise and worked to modify it.  I think that I finally have a good recipe down. Don't let some of the non traditional banana bread ingredients freak you out. I made it about once a week for my dad this summer and he claimed that I could start selling it. HA. One day, I woke up and found a glass mixing bowl and the measure cups out on the counter with a note from him saying "if you need something to do, you know you could always make some more of that bread of yours..." Oh Dad, anything for you. I made the bread on Saturday---but if you want some dad, you'll have to drive to lax!
Laura's Banana Bread:
4 ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter (I use even less)
3/4 cup sugar (I do half of it white, half brown)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup flour
1/2 cup oats (I just use Quaker quick oats)
1 large carrot finely shredded
1/4 cup craisins
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Mash bananas in a mixing bowl. Mix melted butter into bananas. Mix in the egg, sugar, vanilla, carrot, craisins, and chocolate chips. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt on the top and slowly mix. Add the flour and oats last. Pour into a greased bread pan and bake for an hour.

While I was at the Y this morning, I realized how much music helps me get through my day. Life would be real boring without music. Here's my song of the week.