12. Baking Basics: Simple Recipes.

2.Easy Banana Bread:

Banana bread is a beloved classic that has a humble yet significant history. It became popular during the Great Depression in the 1930s as a way to use overripe bananas, ensuring that no food went to waste. This thrifty use of ingredients turned out to be a delicious innovation, leading to its enduring popularity.

Banana bread is known for its moist texture and rich flavor, thanks to the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, making each loaf unique.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups (360g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk or milk.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.

4. Stir in the mashed bananas.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Banana bread is not just a nostalgic comfort food; it's also a testament to culinary creativity and resourcefulness. Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, and feel free to experiment with your own variations.