We are down to the countdown this week, so it is time for some serious baking. I did a ton for Thanksgiving and to use as gifts, but now it is time to refill all the cookie jars and freezer for some sweet treats for Christmas.
I need 4 loaves of Banana Bread, so those were on the list to get done along with a few cookies. I have two grandsons that always want a whole loaf of banana bread just for them. Like a good grandma of course I make sure they get them. Then I need a loaf for my daughter’s house on Christmas Eve and one for us here on Christmas Day. So 4 loaves are done, glazed, ready to wrap and say done for now. (I will put two of them in boxes and gift wrap for under the tree for my grandsons. )
I got another jump on cookies too. Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Crackles, Sugar Cookies and a loaf of Pumpkin Bread.
Here is my Banana Bread Recipe —
This is one of the best recipes I have ever tried, so moist and sooooooooo good. (I think it’s the secret ingredient of sour cream.)
Libby’s Banana Bread
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp. sale
1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
grated rind of half a lemon
3/4 c. mashed ripe bananas
2 tbls. sour cream
1/2 c, chopped nuts (optional)
Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Work butter until soft, then work in sugar a little at a time until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, add the vanilla, grated lemon rind and bananas. Stir in flour mixture alternately with sour cream. Pour into a greased loaf pan & bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from pan & cool on a rack. I love mine glazed with a mixture of conf. sugar and a little milk.
Check out this post for all my recipes for some of the easiest pies ever.
Saturday will be pie day. I will need two for my daughters on Christmas Eve and two for here on Christmas day, then I have some out of town family coming for the 26th, so all in all the whole family will be here for a big get together and visit, so I will have 22 for that day. I think I will make a cake and two more pies plus some of the cookies and breads for them too. I have a ton of baking to do and get in the freezer, I have a lot of mouths to feed. (For the meal on the 26th we will just have cold cuts and cheese trays with a huge assortment of breads, veggies, dips and chips. For 22 keeping it simple is my motto. I want to be able to visit and enjoy everyone. This is going to be a really busy kitchen the next couple of days, so I better get busy.
How about you, do you have a lot of baking and cooking to do too?
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