There are so many recipes for Banana Nut Bread and truthfully, they are all pretty good. I discovered this recipe about 10 years ago and decided it is the best recipe I have ever made for Banana Nut Bread, moist, dense with an intense banana flavor highlighted by toasted walnuts and cinnamon streusel topping. This recipe makes two loaves, great for gifting or freezing for later use.
Ingredients
¾ cup butter, softened
1 8oz package of cream cheese, softened
2 cups of sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups of all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 with dark spots) *
1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Process
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8 x 4-inch bread pans.
Mix butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
Gradually add sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating until just blended after each addition.
COMBINE flour and next three ingredients
Gradually add to the butter mixture at low speed until blended.
Add bananas, vanilla and nuts.
Spoon batter into two greased and floured bread pans.
Top with streusel topping.
Bake for 1 hour until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and sides pull away from pan.
Cool pans on wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans.
Cool completely before slicing.
STREUSEL TOPPING
Ingredients
½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon flour
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon.
Process
Mix all ingredients for streusel together in a bowl.
Sprinkle over the batter before baking
Press streusel into the dough with the back of a spoon to ensure streusel is baked into the loaf and doesn’t shed when removed from the pan.
*Note: the riper the bananas (black even) the more banana flavor will impart in your recipe. I use frozen bananas that have been defrosted in the refrigerator, they are overripe and work wonderfully.
Pancakes for dinner? Why yes! When my kids were young, we often ate breakfast for dinner once a week, usually on Friday. We also had a special night called Taco Tuesday, which they enjoyed. Having a plan where you have one breakfast and one dinner each week can make meal planning easier and healthier. It helps organize meals better, reduces the stress of deciding what to eat, and allows trying new recipes or cuisines. This method also simplifies shopping and helps control portion sizes. As the children grew into teenagers, I encouraged them to plan and cook a family meal on a designated night, which helped them learn cooking skills and become more independent.
Initially, this plan did not provide much relief from the kitchen work. However, as they gained confidence in their skills, planning meals became easier and less tiring. Watching them become more independent turned mealtime into an enjoyable experience.
Light as Air Pancakes
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs, separated
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry syrup, to serve (see below
Process
Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a bowl.
Put egg yolks and milk into another bowl and gently beat in the sifted dry ingredients.
Put the egg whites into a clean mixer bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Using a spatula, fold whites into the batter.
Heat the prepared griddle over medium-low heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and cook in batches over low heat until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface and the underside is golden brown. Flip the pancakes over and cook the other side for 1 more minute.
Spread with whipped butter (recipe below) and maple syrup, strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, or fresh fruit.
Whipped Butter
½ cup of softened butter
1 ½ teaspoon of whipping cream, milk or water
Whip the butter and liquid of your choice until light and fluffy.
Variations
Add a teaspoon of honey for honey butter or
½ teaspoon of Cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a sweet topping
Fruit Syrup Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup of water
1-1/2 cups mashed unsweetened strawberries, raspberries or blueberries
The history of Whoopie Pies is an interesting part of American food culture, mainly in the Northeastern U.S. They likely started in the early 1900s, possibly in Pennsylvania or Maine. The name “Whoopie” may come from children’s exclamations of joy or surprise when discovering the sweet filling inside. These treats have become a beloved regional specialty, reflecting local culinary traditions and history.
Cookie Ingredients
1 cup sugar
½ cup shortening
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups of all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
½ cup hot water
2/3 cup buttermilk
Cookie Process
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Beat together sugar and ½ cup shortening at high speed with a stand mixer until fluffy.
Add the egg and egg yolk and beat until incorporated.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; set aside.
Dissolve baking soda in the ½ cup of hot water; cool slightly.
Add the flour mixture, the soda mixture, and 2/3 cups of buttermilk alternately to the sugar, shortening mixture.
Beat at a medium speed until well mixed.
Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake for 8 – 10 minutes.
Cool cookies on a cookie rack. Yields 48 cookies.
Filling Ingredients
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
½ teaspoon of meringue powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup shortening (such as white Crisco)
¼ cup butter
Filling Process
In a stand mixer, add shortening and butter, vanilla, 1 teaspoon of water and beat at high speed until light and fluffy.
Turn mixer to low and gradually add powdered sugar and meringue powder.
Beat on high until mixture is light and fluffy. If mixture is too thick to spread, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time, until it is spreading consistency.
Spread some filling on the flat side of half the cookies, top with the remaining cookies, flat side down.
Compound flavored butters serve multiple culinary purposes. They can be melted over grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables to add moisture and flavor. Perfect to add fun and flair to any breakfast spread. They are also used as finishing touches on baked potatoes, bread, or pasta, providing an extra layer of richness. Additionally, they can be incorporated into sauces, marinades, or used as a base for more complex flavor combinations. Their ease of use and ability to add depth to meals make them popular among chefs and home cooks alike. Following are six compound butters that are equally delicious for all meals.
Compound Herb and Garlic Butter
Compound herb and garlic butter is a versatile culinary ingredient that enhances a wide range of dishes with its rich, aromatic flavor. Made by blending softened butter with fresh herbs, this butter offers a fragrant and savory profile that elevates both simple and complex recipes. Its culinary appeal lies in its ability to add depth and richness to meats, seafood, vegetables, and bread.
Ingredients
½ cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¼ cup of fresh chopped fresh herbs
Example: rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, sage, basil or chives. Fresh herbs will give a beautiful display of green flecks in your butter.
2 grated or pressed garlic cloves
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
Process
Place the softened butter in a small bowl. Add the chopped herbs, garlic, lemon juice and salt and mix well.
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly. Or leave it in a covered bowl.
Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.
Compound Lemon Dill Butter
Delicious spread over seafood dishes, such as grilled salmon, baked cod or shrimp where the citrus notes complement the natural flavors of seafood. It also works well as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables or spread on warm bread.
Ingredients
1 stick of unsalted butter room temperature
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill weed
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Process
Wash and finely mince the dill leaves.
Zest and juice lemon.
Cut the softened stick of butter in a mixing bowl.
Using a stand mixer or hand beater, mix until light and fluffy.
Add the chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly. Or leave in a covered bowl.
Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.
Compound Maple Bourbon Butter
This is a smooth, sweet butter with a smoky flavor from bourbon. It is great to spread on bread, pancakes, waffles, roasted vegetables or melted over steak.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Process
Bring butter to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and beat butter until light and fluffy.
Gradually mix in pure maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt.
Taste and adjust sweetness or bourbon as needed.
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly. Or leave in a covered bowl.
Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.
Compound Hot Honey Butter
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this whipped hot honey butter is on Jalapeno and Cheese Cornbread or Cheddar and Chive Biscuits, sweet potatoes or baked potatoes or corn on the cob.
Ingredients
1 stick of unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons hot sauce
½ teaspoon Koren red chili flakes
Process
Bring butter to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and beat butter until light and fluffy.
Gradually mix in honey, hot sauce and chili flakes.
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly.
Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.
Compound Orange Butter
Orange butter is a tasty spread that can be used on French toast, pancakes, sweet breads, and more. It is smooth and rich, making it perfect for breakfast and brunch. It adds color and flavor to your dishes, making them more appealing.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 teaspoon of Grand Marnier, substitute with Cointreau, or orange juice.
1 tablespoon orange zest. Be careful not to zest the white pith under the orange skin as it is bitter.
Process
Bring butter to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and beat butter until light and fluffy.
Gradually mix in Gand Marnier, and orange zest.
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly.
Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.
Compound Chocolate Butter
Spread chocolate butter on various baked goods such as toast, pancakes, croissants, or bagels, and explore different flavor combinations to enhance your culinary experience.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
3 tablespoons powder sugar
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
Process
Bring butter to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, add softened butter and beat butter until light and fluffy.
Gradually mix in unsweetened cocoa, powder sugar and vanilla extract.
Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a log shape and twist ends to seal tightly. Or leave in covered bowl.
Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Room Temperature – Let butter sit out for a few minutes before using to soften. Butters can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, just like plain butter. But if the weather is hot, store it in refrigerator so butter doesn’t melt.
Perfect for any summer gathering, this impressive dessert is sure to wow your guests. This dazzling fruit pizza is a summer showstopper—and surprisingly easy to make!
Choosing the right fruit for a fruit pizza is important for both appearance and taste. The fruit should be soft enough to cut and bite easily, but not too watery. It should also resist browning to keep the pizza looking fresh. To make the presentation attractive, select fruits that vary in color and shape. When placing the fruit on the cream cheese layer, press gently to help it stick. Popular options include different berries, sliced peaches, bananas, canned mandarin oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and passion fruit. These fruits not only look appealing but also add a variety of flavors, making fruit pizza more delicious and visually attractive.
For the best texture and presentation, fruit pizza is best made the same day it’s served.
Crumble dough into a 12” pizza pan, or 9″ x 13″ baking pan with raised edges.
Work the dough until it is spread out to the outer edges of the pan.
Bake until lightly brown, about 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from oven, cool completely.
Filling
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 8oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup of sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Glaze
Jelly: is used as a glaze for the fruit, it protects it from drying out or turning brown as well as giving it a healthy shine.
½ cup of apple jelly, apricot jelly, orange marmalade or peach jelly make great options for glazing the fruit. Apple jelly is clear, allowing the fruit to stand out. Orange marmalade compliments the flavors of the fruit beneath.
Process
With an electric mixer, in a medium bowl combine sugar and egg, beat until sugar is dissolved.
Add cream cheese, sour cream and vanilla, beat until creamy. Add more sour cream if filling is too stiff to spread.
Spread filling on cookie crust.
Beginning in the center of the pizza begin adding fruit in a circular fashion until it fills the crust.
Stir the jelly or marmalade until smooth and use a pastry brush or spoon spread on top of fruit. Note: if jelly or marmalade won’t smooth out by stirring, microwave for 20 seconds.
This article was originally published on Facebook several years ago, the author is unknown. I wanted to share it on my website, www.KitchenMoxy.com for my own reference, and because the article is brilliant, and because science explains why there are so many different kinds of chocolate chip cookies, such as soft, chewy, overcooked, undercooked (the best), hard, and crispy. You might assume that everyone who makes chocolate chip cookies follows a similar recipe, but that is not the case. I have a recipe that I have used for 40 years, and my family always requests it when I bake cookies. This recipe results in cookies that are soft, chewy, and delicious. It includes a box of instant vanilla pudding mix and baking soda, but no baking powder. The article explains the science behind how these ingredients influence the cookie’s texture. I encourage you to experiment with different recipes and find your favorite type of cookie.
Here, relying on the experts’ help and based on the classic Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe:
Ooey-gooey: Add 2 cups more flour.
A nice tan: Set the oven higher than 350 °F. degrees (maybe 360°F.). Caramelization, which gives cookies their nice brown tops, occurs above 356°F. degrees.
Crispy with a soft center: Use 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
Chewy: Substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour.
Just like store-bought: Trade the butter for shortening. Note that this ups the texture but reduces some flavor; I suggest using half butter and half shortening.
Thick (and less crispy): Freeze the batter for 30 to 60 minutes before baking. This solidifies the butter, which will spread less while baking.
Cakey: Use more baking soda because it releases carbon dioxide when heated, which makes cookies puff up.
Butterscotch flavored: Use 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (instead of the same amount of combined granulated sugar and light brown sugar).
Uniformity: If looks count, add one ounce corn syrup and one ounce of granulated sugar.
Note: Chilling the dough for at least 24 hours before baking deepens all the flavors.
Soft buttermilk biscuits are a classic baked good renowned for their tender texture and rich flavor. Crafted with simple ingredients such as all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and generous amounts of buttermilk, these biscuits are a versatile addition to breakfast, brunch, or any meal. They can also serve as a base for savory toppings like fried chicken, sausage gravy, or cheese. Their delicate crumb and slightly tangy flavor from the buttermilk make them a favorite among bread lovers and a staple in Southern cuisine. In addition to their delicious taste and texture, these biscuits are relatively quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for both novice bakers and experienced cooks. Their adaptability allows for variations, such as adding herbs, cheese, or spices to customize the flavor profile. Overall, soft buttermilk biscuits are a comforting, versatile, and timeless baked good that continues to be cherished across many households and culinary traditions.
Ingredients
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the board
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ cup cold butter sliced into pieces, plus ¼ cup shortening (or ¾ cup cold butter, omit shortening)
1-1/4 cup buttermilk * You can make your own buttermilk: Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line. (if possible, use whole milk or heavy cream). Let stand for five minutes. Then, use as much as your recipe calls for.
Process
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl
Add shortening and butter. Cut butter and shortening into the flour until it resembles coarse meal, using a pastry dough cutter or two knives.
Create a well in the middle of the dough, add the buttermilk all at once, and using a fork mix JUST until combined, do not beat.
Turn the dough out onto a floured board.
Fold the dough about 5 times, gently press the dough down to inch thick. Use flour to dust the board or counter if dough is sticking. Gently PAT (do NOT roll with a rolling pin) the dough out until it’s about 1/2″ thick.
Use a round cutter to cut into rounds. You can gently press the scraps together and make a few more. Or pat dough into a square and slice 2-1/2” squares using all the dough.
Place the biscuits on a cookie sheet. If you like soft sides, put them touching each other. If you like “crusty” sides, put them about 1 inch apart- these will not rise as high as the biscuits put close together.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes- the biscuits will be a beautiful light golden brown on top and bottom.
Important Notes:
Do not over-bake.
The key to real biscuits is not in the ingredients, but in the handling of the dough.
The dough must be handled as little as possible, or you will have tough biscuits.
Use a fork to mix the wet ingredients into the dry – do not stir to mix – just “fluff” together
Rolling with a rolling pin is a guaranteed way to overstimulate the gluten, resulting in a tougher biscuit, use your hands to pat the dough out
You can make these biscuits, cut them, put them on cookie sheets and freeze them, place in plastic bags when frozen for up to a month.
When you want fresh biscuits, simply place them frozen on the cookie sheet and bake at 450°F for about 20 minutes.
Lastly; break biscuits apart, do not cut them open with a knife.
The history of pound cake dates back to the early 1700s. It is believed that the pound cake is a Northern European dish and was traditionally made with a pound of each of four ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. Over time the ingredients for pound cake changed and everyone started adding different ingredients. For example, Eliza Leslie who wrote the 1851 edition of Direction for Cookery used 10 eggs and beat them as light as possible and mixed them with a pound of flour then adding the juice of two lemons or three large oranges, which changed the flavor and texture of the cake. Everyone had their own way and belief of making a pound cake. For instance, 5 years ago James Villas wrote in the 2008 issue of Saveur that flour won’t work in place of all purpose flour because it lacks the strength to support the heavy batter.
My recipe brings back many memories it has been handed down through the decades in my family. I have tweaked it here and there to add my own flavors and touches, this recipe makes a very dense, rich and flavorful pound cake. Wonderful on its own with its crunchy crust sprinkled with 10-x (powdered sugar), or glazed with a vanilla glaze.
SOUR CREAM POUND CAKE
Ingredients
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
3 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups all-purpose flour
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/4 teaspoon Almond extract
Directions Preheat oven to 325 F.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the sour cream and mix until incorporated.
Sift the baking soda and flour together.
Add to the creamed mixture alternating with eggs, beating each egg 1 at a time.
Add the flavorings and pour the mixture into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes.
Everyone has tried this summer salad at least once. There are many different recipes for Ambrosia available online, making it difficult to choose which one to make. In this blog, I have included the traditional version of the recipe, as well as a new variation that uses Greek yogurt. Try both versions and decide which one you prefer.
Traditional Version:
Ingredients
2 cans of pineapple tidbits
2 cans of mandarin oranges
1 8–12-ounce container of Cool Whip (or fresh whipped cream)
1 8-ounce container of sour cream
1 bag of mini marshmallows
½ bag of coconut
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
New Version:
Ingredients
2 cups of fresh pineapple cut into small pieces
2 mandarin oranges or cuties (tiny oranges) sectioned, cut the sections in half
¼ cup slivered almonds
Optional add in fruit:
Strawberries (sliced)
Kiwi (sliced)
Blueberries
½ bag coconut
1 bag of mini marshmallows
1 large container of Plain or Vanilla Greek Yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and serve immediately
An amazing cookie with a salted caramel finish. Add to your cookie menu for the holidays or just enjoy throughout the year for a special treat.
Ingredients
½ cup butter
3/4 cup of brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon cream of tarter
½ tsp cinnamon
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cup of flour
¼ teaspoon of sea salt
1/2 cup caramel squares, cut into quarters.
Cookie Finish
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
Coarse Sea salt for sprinkling
Directions
In a medium sized bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and set aside.
To brown the butter, heat a medium saucepan to medium high heat. Add the sliced butter. It does not take long for the butter to begin browning on the bottom. When the butter begins to froth, watch carefully and stir. Once the butter turns light brown, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The butter will burn fast, so don’t walk away.
While the butter is cooling, cut the caramel squares into quarters and set aside
In a stand mixer, combine the brown butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until blended and smooth.
Beat in egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients until combined.
Form the dough into a ball and cover with plastic. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Once you are ready to bake preheat the oven to 350°F.
Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball, or use a cookie scoop.
Flatten and place a quartered caramel square on top, wrap the cookie dough over the caramel and roll back into a ball.
Mix ¼ cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and roll each cookie in the mixture. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Flatten slightly with a fork, and sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges turn light brown. The centers will be soft. Allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Moxy 