Lovin' From the Oven

Six Banana Banana Bread

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I’ve always been curious as to what would happen if I kept adding bananas into the batter for banana bread. It doesn’t really seem to change or make a difference if I use 3 or 4 bananas, as indicated in each recipe. Lucky for me, Averie must have read my mind because she did it on her blog with six bananas in one loaf! Alright, I’ll give it a try.

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I took six bananas and mashed them up. My bowl was practically overflowing with banana goo. I poured them into my mixing bowl and kept going. There was no looking back now.

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Once I was done mixing in the dry ingredients, I noticed that the dough wasn’t too different from normal banana bread dough. Sure, it smelled a lot more banana-y, but that was probably the only real difference. I poured all of it into one loaf pan, sprinkled some cinnamon on top, and waited patiently for the bread to be done baking.

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The result was one heavy banana bread. It was dense, moist as can be, and full of banana flavor.

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One slice is enough to fill you up because they’re packed with bananas. Seriously. This one loaf of bread can probably feed 8-10 people.

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It’s just not my kind of banana bread, but maybe it’s for you. There is no crispy edge in sight. It’s almost as it the loaf was sitting in banana juice overnight, soaking in all of the liquid. I’m more of a fan of the subtle banana bread that’s light enough to eat four slices in one sitting. Recipe from Averie Cooks.

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Six Banana Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (half of 1 stick), melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or thick Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 6 medium/large very ripe bananas, mashed (2 1/2 cups mashed bananas; if your bananas are huge you may only need 4 or 5; if they're small, you may need more)
  • one 3.4-ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix (not Cook 'n Serve)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • pinch of salt

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix together the butter and both sugars. Add in the eggs, vanilla, yogurt, and mashed bananas.
  3. Stir in the vanilla instant pudding mix, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until just combined. Do not over mix!
  4. Pour the batter into greased mini baking pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
https://lovintheoven.com/six-banana-banana-bread/

Mashed Avocado Toast

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Things have been a bit crazy this past week on the count of I am now a married woman!

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That’s right, folks! I married my boyfriend of the last 6 1/2 years on Saturday. How does it feel? Exactly the same as it did before. I don’t know why people think marriage changes so much. We’ve lived together for the past three years and after the wedding, we continue to do so. The only thing that really changes is my last name and that I have an extra ring on my finger now.

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Our wedding day went by so quickly. You truly blink and the night’s over. We had such a wonderful celebration surrounded by the people we love.

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I’ll fill you in on the details later, but for now, here’s some avocado toast!

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I can eat this stuff on a daily basis. Thank you California for having an abundance of the best avocados available. It truly makes my heart happy.

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Mashed Avocado Toast

Ingredients

  • 1 slice of bread
  • 1/2 avocado, mashed
  • 1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • pinch of garlic salt, to taste

Directions

  1. Mash all of the ingredients together except for the toast.
  2. Toast the bread.
  3. Spread the avocado mixture on top of the toast. Sprinkle additional red pepper flakes on top (optional).
https://lovintheoven.com/mashed-avocado-toast/

Balsamic Bacon Grilled Cheese

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I’ve always had a soft spot for grilled cheese sandwiches, no matter what time of the year it is. They’re simple to make, great to eat on the go, and tasty.

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I’ll eat them as is, but I’m a sucker for dipping the ends in a creamy tomato soup.

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This month’s hatchery box seemed a teeny bit different than the last two. It was packed in a smaller box (don’t worry, the contents haven’t changed.. they’re still wonderfully consistent).

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Then, I read on their Facebook page that after months of testing, Hatchery has come out with a box that’s made from 100% post-consumer fibers! No trees were harmed in the making of your Hatchery box. The crinkle paper tucked away inside the bright red box is also fully biodegradable.

Not only does Hatchery support local artisans, they support the earth with environmentally-conscious materials. I can definitely support a brand like that.

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In this month’s Hatchery Box, we have (from top to bottom, left to right):

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I chose to use the fig balsamic vinegar for today’s lunch.

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It added a wonderful sour taste that balanced out the creaminess of the cheese. Since balsamic vinegar is great for dipping breads in, it only makes sense that it would taste just as good drizzled on top of a sandwich.

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The sample that I used had plenty for making one sandwich. In fact, I’m sure you could use one packet from your Hatchery Box to top off four sandwiches.

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You can sign up for your own Hatchery Box shipment for just $20/month here. You’ll get 5-6 hand selected artisan ingredients sent straight to your door. It’s a great way for trying ingredients that you never would have thought about trying before. After three boxes, I’m still a fan!

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Balsamic Bacon Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of wheat bread
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 slice of muenster cheese
  • 2 slices of bacon, cooked
  • about 1 teaspoon Fig Balsamic Vinegar (or more, if desired)

Directions

  1. Spread butter on one side of both breads.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, place one slice of bread with the butter side facing down. Layer the cheese and bacon on top, followed by the last slice of bread (butter side up).
  3. Let cook until brown, about 2 minutes.
  4. Carefully use a spatula and flip your sandwich, allowing the other side to brown as well.
  5. Once down, slice in half and drizzle balsamic vinegar on top.
https://lovintheoven.com/balsamic-bacon-grilled-cheese/

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