Saturday, January 31, 2009

A Crumby Banana, et al...

First I want to try and explain the fleur de lis napkin fold

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It is explained with a diagram here...better than I could do it!

http://www.roterochs.de/english/napkins/budnapkin.html
I hope that works!
You have to use a napkin that has some body to it...

Brown Bananas ..we all get them!

Pump up your Banana Bread with a crumb topping....
In a loaf pan..

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In mini heart pans with removable bottoms...

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I liked the way the crumb looked on the bottom better...

And in a molten lava cupcake type pan..

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This recipe from Food Network is close to what I use...I add a splash of OJ, and sometimes yogurt instead of the milk..
There are tons of recipes....the key is REALLY ripe bananas to get the flavor..

Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.

Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Mix in the milk and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack and cool completely before slicing.

Better the next day if you can wait!

Pear Tart

I love fresh pears. and they were on sale....

I used my lattice tool, the one used to make Caged Pears....you can see them in the side bar.
I made this tart in a square pan with removable bottom...puff pastry from the freezer of your local market...

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Peel and slice 4 large pears
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar
Brush the bottom crust with preserves...I used Mango....I know, how exotic, :)
you can use apricot, etc..
line the pear slices in the pan
brush again with preserves...
Apply the latticed crust..
Brush with egg wash and a bit more preserves, and bake..

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Our table tonight...we had rib roast, baked potato and vegetable...you all know what that looks like, so I will spare you..

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Happy Super Bowl Sunday!
See you tomorrow...

12 comments:

  1. Wow, I love your lattice tool. It makes such a beautiful crust.

    Love the napkins, too. But folding them...I'd have to start when I'm in a really good mood.

    And I'm definitely going to top my next batch of banana bread with a streusel crust. Great idea.

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  2. I think I am starting to know you for a long time:) I remember the latticer story!:)
    Thanks for the napkin tutorial..It is beautiful with that particular napkin!
    I agree body would be needed.. very pretty ..If I don't use a napkin ring I tuck naplins in the water glass for pouf effect..this is far prettier.I like upright:)

    I must admit I have never put cinnamon in a banana bread and will the next time..Oh the crumb top looks great.The only different BB I made was the rolled one..
    I'll try yours.

    You know I love the mini hearts w/ removeable bottoms.One day!I too have a rect. and sq. tart pan w/ removeable bottoms.They are great!
    Pretty tart Kathleen.

    What are molten lava cake molds? I know what MLCs are but not the molds.

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  3. Cathy, I believe Monique or Mary showed us the lattice tool..Suzy was able to get one very cheap ...I forget the name of the store.
    I got mine from Claros.com, but they charged almost to send as the tool!
    Maybe they are more available now..
    Some people were able to find them in their local hardware store..Norpro..

    Monique, the pan is Chicago Metallic..Molten and More..the bottom comes off...lots of uses for it...and we all need another pan! :)

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  4. I had fun exploring your blog today! You've inspired me to step up my table decorations!

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  5. Yummmm
    I am going to have to try the topping net time I make banana bread!

    Thanks for the How to on the napkin fold (I am going to try it)

    Any leftover italian? It looked good too!

    Always love to see your food and table....ALWAYS inviting!

    Susan

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  6. You've been the busy baker! Looks great! Great idea to put the crumb topping on the banana bread!

    Cool napkins. i couldn't fold good the regular way, that would get my napkins in a knot :)

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  7. Gotta get that lattice tool out again! We have certainly enabled each other in the past, haven't we?

    I love the crumb topping idea and the mini hearts are beautiful.

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  8. First of all thanks for sharing the napkin folding, what a fun shape and the b/w are very elegant looking that way. Banana bread with crunchy topping sounds fun and unique, I like my banana bread with choc chips in it :-) Loved the mini hearts.

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  9. Thanks for the napkin folding tut! Your pear tart looks awesome!

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  10. Kathleen, dinner certainly sounds good, and such a handsome tablesetting.

    I love the crumb on the banana bread. I don't think I've ever seen that done before.

    And the mini hearts ones are adorable. You're already in the Valentine mode with your desserts and blog decor.

    The napkin folding tutorial is very interesting. Although Addi could probably learn to do it before I could.

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  11. boy you have been busy! from lessons to dessert, i am thrilled to have it all! the tart looks fantastic! cute table settings too!

    i am the lattice fool that kicked us all off, i found the caged pears and rest is history~ i love that thing! i looked everywhere and did mail order, then found 6 of them at our local ace hardware for half the price!

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  12. Everything is all too cute! Love the tablescape and the napkin folds!

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