I had a couple of bananas I needed to use up, and I just opened a new package of Craisins, so I decided to make a loaf of cranberry banana bread the other day. I wanted to punch it up just a little, so I added in a couple of handfuls of shredded coconut, and after it was in the pan, I added a dusting of cocoa to the top. The loaf came out fabulous, and I'm definitely going to make it again. I love the combination of bananas and cranberries or blueberries, or I'd even combine both berries, if I had them on hand. If cherries are still on sale when I get to Kroger again, I might try making one with those. Here's the basic recipe I used. http://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/Corporate/Breads-Muffins/Cranberry-Banana-Bread.aspx
That sounds pretty good Diane Lane! I have craisins too. One thing I have been wanting to make is a Weight Watchers apple strudel recipe that called for those or dried cranberries. I abandoned the plan to make it though when I saw how expensive the puff pastry it called for was. I am still looking for a deal on that. Also, I have a pie shell in my refrigerator that should really be in the freezer, so I was thinking I might use that. I am not sure...I was planning a casino trip this weekend..but it looks like that isn't gonna happen now..so I might be looking for something to do, and baking is fun.
@Diane Lane My Mother made a wonderful cake often when I was a kid, called it "Cherry Bubble Cake". I found her recipe in the box my sister reluctantly relinquished to me, when our Mother died. If you like, I will copy that recipe here. Frank
I'd love the recipe, @Frank Sanoica. I didn't end up getting the cherries today because I was at a different Kroger, and the price of cherries was much higher, but hopefully I'll make it back to my store before the price goes up or they run out. I could always substitute another fruit anyway, and I love old family recipes! Incidentally, I picked up some blackberries, because they were only $.88! @K E Gordon I definitely enjoy baking, but I also enjoy a (rare) casino trip. I hope you're able to get there soon. I'll be making this bread again soon, because it came out so delicious, and I picked up more bananas today.
@Diane Lane Sorry to be so late. Busy schedule, I will post bubble cake tomorrow. It will bring back such warm memories that I am sure I will want to bake one! Thank you for being patient. Several serious issues are plaguing me. Frank
No worries, Frank, just post it when you can. I hope you do bake one, and if so, I'd love to see a picture and hear about your memories. Hope nothing too severe is going on. These are trying times, it seems.
@Diane Lane Diane, I hate being remiss when it comes to a commitment, no matter how superfluous, or small. The story is thus: When our Mother died, I asked my sister to please set aside and send me the recipe box my Mom had used for years. After a lengthy debate, I got it. My sister had ransacked my Mother's apartment (only 1/4 mile away) while I was clear across the country. I asked for but little, knew not what all old family treasures my sister purloined. Stupidly, to some, I asked for only that recipe box with it's contents, and my Mother's prized thimble, which I so lovingly recalled her using while hand-sewing. I got both. The recipe box is metal, probably dating to the 1950s, it was the standard package one got buying Land-O-Lakes butter, I think. Or, perhaps a special offer she responded to, but likely the former. Some astute old-timer may here set me straight! Here is the original "Cherry Bubble Cake" recipe she copied perhaps when I was 10 or so, 60+ years ago. The index card has seen it's share of use, and outside of it's hiding place, abuse, while being perused making those wonderful cakes! I trust you can decipher any details unclear. Many of my Mother's recipes were laced with imponderables, which she of course understood and deciphered instantly while using them Below, the surprise revision I never knew before. Calls for "Splenda", which I thought to be a fairly recent offering. My Mother died in January, 1986; thus, Splenda was available prior to then, though I cannot remember that. I think the old original must be the favorite I recall. Try either or both, if you can follow her writings. Please be aware she was born in Europe, of Czech parents, and knew no English when she came to America! Contrary to my wife's admonishments, I "live in the past", yes, but only because past memories are so much more cherishable and loving than projections for the immediate future. Frank
Thanks, Frank, I'm happy to see that the recipe calls for canned cherries, since they're available so much longer than fresh ones. I also wasn't aware that Splenda was available way back then. I'll bet my grandmother would have enjoyed this recipe, although with real sugar, not Splenda. My mom was the one who always substituted margarine for butter, Splenda or other sugar substitutes for table sugar, and I loved eating at my grandmother's for that reason, although my mom was a great cook and baker. Isn't it funny how the revised recipe deletes the sour cream and one of the egg yolks? I much prefer full fat dairy and real sugar over the supposedly more healthy alternatives. I like that your mom noted about the possible grape substitute, as well. I have a can of plums on hand, and that might be something I'd also consider substituting in this recipe. I'm sorry your sister felt the need to take the majority of your mom's belongings. I have a feeling when the time comes, I'll be in that same boat, since I'm across the country. I was only given a few small items of my dad's, and was glad to have gotten them.