Hand Me The Banana Bread

I’ve made many a banana bread over the years. It’s a family favorite that gives me an excuse to use the all too many ripe bananas that sit on the kitchen counter. 

In preparing for an upcoming appearance on New Day Cleveland, I wanted to bring food that used Pat’s Granola—the dishes had to be easy, could be demonstrated quickly and looked tasty to the viewing audience. 

Using my favorite banana bread recipe inspired from food.com, I crushed and sprinkled a few handfuls of Tropical granola onto the bread before baking. This was going to take my granola to new heights. Wasn't sure how this would turn out but, worst case, I’d cut into it on the show and it would look fine, and just hope the host wouldn’t taste it if it was perfectly awful. What was I thinking?

Fortunately, this wasn't the case. The bread baked up beautifully and presented well on the sets kitchen counter. When I cut into it, I heard a few oohs and aahs from the producers and camera crew. While I didn’t taste it, it looked like a winner and would be a wonderful addition to my recipe collection. The real test came when I was packing up my items on the set and saw a hand reach up from in front of the counter and grab a slice of the bread. Priceless. No photo, though, but it’s etched in my memory. Several people asked then asked if I could leave the food there for the other guests and staff to enjoy in the green room. How could I say no?

Here’s the recipe.

This delicious granola banana bread is a real crowd pleaser. Bake up a few loaves during the holiday for family and friends. Keeps well in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs, beaten

3 mashed ripe medium sized bananas

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of ground ginger

1/3 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup Pat’s Granola

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cream together butter and sugar.

Add eggs and mashed bananas.

Combine well.

Sift together flour, soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Add vanilla.

Mix until just combined. DO NOT OVER MIX. 

Spoon into a greased and floured loaf pan.

Sprinkle with granola, pressing gently into the batter.

Bake at 350 for 55 minutes.

Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.