NaNa NaNa NaNa Banana Bread!

Sometimes you just get an urge to make banana bread.  This is one of those times. I've just moved into a house for the summer (which is both sad because I miss my lovely little apartment and exciting because I now live with two of my best friends).  So this is my first blog post from this kitchen! The recipe is a bit improvised, but I think it turned out very well!

Banana Bread

2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup applesauce
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
A pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups flour

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) With a wooden spoon, mix the butter  the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl.  Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in.  Add the flour in last, mix.

3) Pour mixture into a prepared pan (4 x 8 is recommended, I only had an 8 x 8).  Bake for 1 hour.  Cool on a rack.  Remove from pan and slice.

The smell is heavenly!

Cherry Mojitos

A couple of summers ago, we threw a surprise party for my dad's 60th birthday.  Our neighbor (and gracious host), Darby, is a master of mixed drinks. She made cherry mojitos that were to die for.  I am home for a few days before I begin my last class at Western, and I decided to try my hand at cherry mojitos for my parents.  I believe this is the first cocktail to make it on my blog, and I must admit that I am writing this blog post quite tipsy!

Cherry Mojitos (makes 3 drinks)

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 pound cherries (sour or sweet, preferably sweet), pitted and roughly chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons lime juice
6 ounces light rum
24 ounces sparkling water

1) Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove.  Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat and add the chopped cherries. Allow to cool, or refrigerate.

2) Put a tablespoon of chopped mint into each glass, followed by 1/4 cup of the cherry simple syrup, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.  Using the end of a wooden spoon, muddle the mixture together.

3) Add 2 ounces of rum and a cup of sparkling water to each glass. Add ice and serve with mint and extra cherries.

My mom sucked that baby down fast! It was delicious and just what we all desperately needed after moving half my stuff from Bellingham to Seattle.  Make, Drink, Enjoy.