Cooking is one of the most popular activities at camp and it’s not surprising when the things that our campers are creating taste so good.  Matt and Cristy run the programs for the boys and girls respectively and are really happy that the campers are showing as much interest in the making as they are the eating!

One of the most popular recipes this week has been Spiced Banana Loaf.  Here’s the recipe if you want to try it out at home:

 

Spiced Banana Loaf

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ginger

1 cup ripe bananas

2 eggs

1/3 cup shortening

Grease two loaf pans (7.5×3.5×2 inch) and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl stir together half of the flour (one cup), the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger and a pinch of salt.  Add the banana, eggs and shortening.  Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for about 30 seconds or until combined.  Then beat on high speed for 2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.  Add the remaining flour and beat until well mixed.

Pour batter into the prepared pans.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until done.  Cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Remove the bread and cool on a rack. 

If you wish, this banana bread can be enhanced further with an icing glaze of your choice.