Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Blueberry Banana Bread

The past few days have been a tad hot! In New England we know that the weather will change while we blink our eyes. And it sure has! On Friday I placed a package of frozen blueberries in the fridge to defrost, so Yummy Blueberry Muffins could be baked the next day. My Hubby and I had plans for Sunday - drive in and visit our son and his family. Well, we did drive in, had a great time, but brought no muffins.

This morning I opened the fridge door and lo and behold – defrosted Blueberries. Over the weekend while we were wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts, the three bananas that were sitting in the fruit bowl really ripened. Ohhh! Now, Bananas plus Blueberries!

It was the perfect opportunity to search for a new recipe. A Bread Recipe with the ingredients of Blueberries, Bananas and Vegetable Oil. I now replace Vegetable Oil with Olive Oil when baking dessert breads, so I set out to “Google”. The find is oh so yummy! Two loaves of Blueberry Banana Bread are sitting on my counter. Well, maybe one is a partial loaf now that it has been sliced. The other loaf is intact. :)

While googling, I located the recipe Kelly's Blueberry Banana Bread that Wildflour shared on recipezaar.com. It is below. 

Click here for the direct link: http://bit.ly/amOatr

Kelly’s Blueberry Banana Bread shared by Wildflour.

Bake in 350ºF for 55-60 minutes Yield: 2 Loaves

· 2 1/2 cups flour
· 1/2 cup reg. sugar
· 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
· 1 tablespoon baking powder, plus
· 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/4 cup coconut
· 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
· 1/3 cup milk
· 1 egg
· 2 teaspoons vanilla
· 3 medium mashed bananas
· 1 cup chopped pecans
· 2 cups frozen blueberries

1. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except blueberries for about 30 seconds.
2. Fold in frozen berries.
3. Pour into 2 greased 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 loaf pans that have been greased on the bottoms only.
4. Bake in 350º oven for 55-60 minutes, til toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Cool slightly, loosen sides with knife from sides of pan, turn out onto rack to cool.
6. When cool, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, keep refrigerated.
7. Best the next day!
8. *Ialways bake blueberries frozen in breads and muffins so they hold up perfectly, and you don't end up with a hollow blue hole, lol.

* * *
While preparing the batter I did make a few changes –
  • I added 1/8 tsp. Nutmeg.
  • Did not Use Coconut nor Pecans
  • My Blueberries were already defrosted.
  • I used Olive Oil - for sauteeing and baking - rather than Vegetable Oil. The batter is a bit dry, so I also added an additional one Tablespoon Olive Oil.
  • My bread pans are 9-Inch Loaf Pans.

I was so pleased to locate a recipe containing both Blueberries and those three overripe Bananas that were sitting on my counter. This Bread is absolutely delicious! Have you ever combined these two fruits?

Sunday was full of surprises! Driving down the Mass Pike we learned that our younger son and his girlfriend were at the Riverside T station. After stopping there we all headed to our son’s and daughter-in-law’s home - I celebrated Mother’s Day a week early. Sweet!  What a beautiful day!

To all you Mom’s – Happy Mother’s Day!

8 comments:

Stacey said...

I will absolutely be trying this one, JG. Blueberries, bananas, and a little coconut...what more could you want? I'm having lots of company over the next two weekends. I know this will be a hit with a cup of coffee. Thanks!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Isn't it just amazing how the weather can flip like that?!!! It happens here too. Your blueberry bread looks just awesome...I can't wait to try your recipe! Hugs

Anonymous said...

This sounds absolutely delicious. I love anything with blueberries or coconut and who doesn't like bananas. Thank you for another wonderful recipe. Our weather sounds like it is behaving a lot like yours. One day hot then one day cold.

teresa said...

this is such a fabulous combination! love it!

Pam said...

This bread sounds delicious and with the coconut, I'm sold and have to try it! Our weather changes almost instantly like yours but it's just rainy and cool now. Have a good day!

Carol said...

Love banana breads and yours look so good with the blueberries, pecans and coconut! Great flavors! Looks delicious!

Barbara Bakes said...

Looks like a perfect way to use those ripe bananas.

Happy@Home said...

I have a similar recipe that I have been making for quite a few years except it doesn't have coconut. It is one of my son's favorites. I like the sounds of the nutmeg. I'm going to have to try that.