Go-To Recipe 1: My Beloved Banana Bread

Whether you are a world class chef or a world class microwaver, every one of us has a set of "go-to" recipes.  A go-to recipe is one you can make from memory and always have ingredients for.  As I get older, I'm perfecting my go-to recipes, especially in the appetizer, entree and dessert arenas. 

I'm starting a new series here on i Dabble where I share some of my favorite go-tos with you. I thought I would start with something easy, banana bread.  This recipe yields a fluffy, moist loaf that keeps for more than a few days (if it lasts that long.) The best part? It's husband approved! 

Cast of Characters:

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted

1 cup of sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup of sour cream

2 medium bananas, ripe and sliced (I used 3 smaller bananas this time)

1/2 cup of walnuts (optional) (I opt out, Jamie doesn't do nuts)

1) Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a loaf pan and set aside.

2) Combine butter and sugar in a bowl with a hand mixer.  

3) Add in eggs one at a time and then vanilla extract.  Mix well.  

4) Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt and slowly add them into the butter/egg mixture.

5) Stir in the sour cream and sliced banana. If you are using walnuts, stir them in now. 

Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and spread evenly.  Bake for 60 minutes.  

The bread will be a nice, golden color and a fork when inserted will come out dry.  Cool for a few minutes in the loaf pan, then turn out and cool completely on a wire rack.  Cut yourself a nice big piece and enjoy with some coffee, tea or a cold glass of milk.  

Do you have go-to recipes? Maybe I should do a link-up for go-to recipes so we can share?  Let me know if you like that idea and I'll set it up for my next go-to recipe post!