Cooking web notes

Everyone in the family loves muffins; strawberry or banana muffins tops the list. Therefore, muffins have become a regular in this household.  Seeing that these two flavors are a hit and having some of both to spare, my mind went into overdrive.  I wondered what if I combine the two.  Ok, secret only for you: I had only a little of both but together they would just be the right amount to bake a loaf.  I gleaned the web and used some stored memory in my gray cells, and what do you know, I baked some delicious combination bread.  Try it to see the flavors blend in marvelously.

  Digressing from cooking, I wanted to tell you how spring has been treating me.  These days I am out in the yard either in the pretext of educating my son or mowing the grass or something else.  Whatever the excuse I make it a point to be out a couple of times.  Guess what fantastic sights I have been enjoying.  The other day I was out and about and lo and behold I spotted this sparrow working away within the pine tree.  I craned my neck a little and confirmed my doubts.  It was making it's nest!  Oh! the thrill of it.  I sneaked in and got my camera and clicked away.  Hmm... it was something else! I have updated a picture on facebook and if you would like a peek its here.  




Ingredients:

Strawberries (hulled and chopped)- 1 cup
Banana mashed -1 cup (~2 numbers)
Walnut (chopped coarsely)- 1/2 cup
Flour- 1 3/4 cup
Oats- 1/2 cup
Cinnamon- 1 tsp
Nutmeg powder- 1/8 tsp
Salt- 1/8 tsp
Baking powder- 1 tsp
Baking soda- 1 tsp
Butter/ oil- 1/2 cup
Eggs- 2
White granulated Sugar-3/4 cup



Method:

1.Preheat the oven at 350 degree F.Grease a loaf pan (9 by 5)
2.Whisk together the dry ingredients except sugar in a mixing bowl.
3.Beat the butter/oil and sugar until soft.
4.Add the eggs one by one and beat well to mix in.Also add the mashed bananas in and beat well.
5.Throw in the strawberry pieces into the flour mixture and toss well to coat the pieces.
6.Fold in the wet mixture into the dry one along with the chopped nuts.
7.Transfer to the loaf pan and bake for 45- 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Notes:

1.I have tried both with butter and oil and both works fine.
2.If you wish you could add a little more fruit.
3.I read that this tastes best if you cut the loaf after 24 hours.I was never able to do it,though I had a couple of slices left on the second day and sure that tasted better.
4.If any of you happen to make this and let the loaf ripen before you cut, do let me know :-)




Contributor: Namitha