Too Many Bananas

Out of many years' habit, I find myself frequently overbuying. This was the case last Friday, when my grocery delivery came in. I had joyously ordered a case of bananas - after all, everyone loves bananas! They make wonderful baked goods! They're terrific over ice cream! They'er a great early morning starter food! Uh, oh. I forgot that there are only 6 of us home right now, and, even though 4 of the other 5 arrive in the next 3 weeks, that won't save us from a case of bananas.

This was the top of my refrigerator on Monday morning, after a weekend of everyone stuffing themselves with bananas (after which they were half gone):Then, I came up with a brilliant plan: Start cooking, you fool! So, yesterday, I sent a loaf of banana bread to each of the 3 college kids within one day UPS travel (and have received 3 adoring phone calls today), made a banana cake, this one with vanilla frosting, and banana muffins, and found a delightful recipe for a yeast raised Banana Wheat bread.

BANANA WHEAT BREAD

1 cup warm water
6 tsp yeast
2 mashed bananas
3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. sugar
1-1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups flour
1 cup whole wheat flour

Mix together in the bread maker. Let rise, punch down and put into 2 4x8 loaf pans. Let rise again, and bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes, or until desired darkness is reached.This was great alone, and made very nice peanut butter sandwiches, according to my 11 year old. It was also excellent toasted; my boys reported to me that the butter soaked into it really well when it was toasted.

Of course, the bananas only cost $15 for the case. How could I have refused them? Note to self: I will not over order. I will not over order...(until next time)