Bananas, Bananas, & Bananas

I decided to begin my recipe posting with banana recipes. I used to think that banana bread, bars, etc. were just okay. Then, I started looking for some really good recipes using ripe bananas. The first two rank high, & the last recipe for banana bread is included because my kids ask for my banana bread recipe. It is easier to make (& tastes just as good) as any banana bread recipe out there. I love the simplicity of mixing it together because it calls for oil rather than butter. (I don't have to think ahead to bring the butter to room temperature!)

Banana Pancakes

Jack Johnson sings a song,"Banana Pancakes"

What You'll Need:

2 ripe bananas

1 egg

1 c flour

3/4 c milk

1 T. butter

1 T. vanilla extract

Start with everyone washing their hands. Then have your kids mash the bananas really well (I've found the best way is to squish them with your hands in a bowl!) Then let one of your kids break the egg & add it to the bananas. You may have them break it in it's own bowl to make it easier to pick any shells out. Mix the egg & vanilla into the bananas until it's smooth. Next add the flour and milk and mix for about a minute.

Add a dab of butter to a frying pan on med. heat. Once the butter is melted use a ladel to make individual pancakes. You know when it is time to flip the pancakes when small bubbles appear in the batter. Cook until both sides are golden brown & serve sprinkled with powdered sugar. (I did change this...the original recipe recommended syrup, but true flavor doesn't come through!) This recipe makes about 12 small pancakes.

Enjoy!

Banana Crumb Muffins

3 large mashed bananas

3/4 c sugar

1 slightly beaten egg

1/3 c melted butter

1 tsp. bkg pwder

1 tsp. bkg soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 c. flour

Crumb Topping:

1/4 c flour

1/4 c brown sugar

1/4 c rolled oats

2 T. butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Add sugar & beaten egg to mashed bananas, & Mix. Add melted butter, & mix. Add dry ingredients & stir until moistened. Fill muffin cups 1/3 full. Blend topping ingredients with fork until moist crumbs form. Top muffins with crumbs. Bake 20 minutes or until slightly brown on top. Makes 1 dozen.

Note: These are the muffins I fell in love with...Enjoy!

Banana Bread

3 bananas, mashed

1 1/3 c flour

2 tsp bkg pwdr

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp bkg soda

2/3 c sugar

1/2 c oil

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Mash bananas & add remaining ingredients & beat with mixer for one minute.

Pour into a well-greased (or sprayed) loaf pan. Bake for approx. one hour. Test with toothpick...if toothpick comes out clean, it is done. Rest in pan for 5 minutes & then invert pan and the bread should come out. Cool. Enjoy!