INA GARTEN'S OLD FASHIONED BANANA CAKE

We have a counter in the kitchen at work where people bring things they want to share or needs using up.  Someone recently brought some bananas that were getting over-ripe which makes them perfect for banana bread or cake.  I found this recipe on Pinterest.  I made a few adjustments and here is my version. I had family come for a Sunday visit and it went over well.

INA GARTEN'S OLD FASHIONED BANANA CAKE

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup oil

2 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour or Baker's Joy a 9 x 2 inch round pan.  (I had a scalloped 10 inch pan in my stash so used that.)  

In a mixer bowl mix the bananas, sugars, oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla.  In another bowl mix the flour, baking soda and salt.  Stir together.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well.  Pour into prepared pan.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes.  Cool.  Frost with cream cheese frosting.

FROSTING

4 ounces soften cream cheese

2 cups powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Blend ingredients together till smooth.  Frost cooled cake.

BABY APPLE PIES

Fourth of July this year was unusual in that we could not gather for our usual time together due to the Coronavirus going around.  Spending a quiet day at home, but I decided to make something to mark the holiday.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans are the usual fare around here.  What's more American than some apple pie for dessert.  Decided to just make a few little pies rather than a big one. 

BABY APPLE PIES

Filling:

2 cups chopped apples

3 Tablespoons water

2 Tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 Tablespoon cornstarch

2 Tablespoons water

Pastry for double crust pie.

Peel and dice the apples. I don't like a lot of crunch, so I dice them small. Put apples, 3 Tablespoons water, 2 Tablespoons butter, cinnamon and brown sugar in a saucepan.  Stir together and bring to a boil.  Simmer until apples are starting to get soft.  Make a slurry of the cornstarch and water and add to apple mixture.  Stir to thicken.

Make your best recipe for pastry or use Pillsbury already made crusts.  I used a small 6 inch bowl to cut out circles.  Put a few tablespoons of filling onto circle.  Cover with another circle, cutting a vent in top.  (I had a little star cookie cutter).  Place on a baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.  Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar when out of the oven.   

APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL BREAD

I needed to take a sweet treat to a visit with my cousin recently.  Although it is not Fall by any means, I found this quick bread in my files to try.  Even in summertime this tasted pretty good and was a hit.
APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL BREAD
2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup oatmeal (I used old-fashioned, not quick) 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 3/4 oil 1/2 cup sour cream  1 cup applesauce (I would recommend chunky as the regular did not have a strong flavor) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
ICING/GLAZE
2 Tablespoons butter 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 2 Tablespoons heavy cream 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
In a large bowl combine dry ingredients and mix well.  In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, sour cream, applesauce and vanilla.  Combine wet ingredients to dry and mix well until blended. Add nuts if desired.  Pour into a greased 9 inch loaf pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until middle tests dry.  Let cool.  Prepare icing/glaze.
For icing/glaze, in a saucepan add butter, brown sugar and cream.  Bring to a boil.  Stir until sugar melts, about 1 minute.  Remove and add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.  Might need to add more cream to make good consistency.  Spread on cooled bread.  Can sprinkle pecans on top if desired.