Banana Nut Bread

I have made this banana bread twice this week – once to share with coworkers who claimed they had never enjoyed any of my office offerings and again because I didn’t have any left to share at home after making it the first time. This afternoon (after I savored a warm, buttered slice), I brought half the loaf to a friend who immediately peeled off the plastic wrap and took a big bite – en route to the gym, no less. (I hope he saves some for his wife!) Then I went for a run because the gorgeous 70 degree sunny day left me no choice! But I digress…

This has been my go-to banana bread recipe for a few years now, ever since Dan gave me the Baking Boot Camp book by Darra Goldstein. The bread is dense and moist, and bananas are certainly the star of the show, complemented by toasty pecans and sweet honey. I love it for breakfast, dessert, or snack!

Chocolate Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

These cupcakes were awesome. Or so I hear. Actually I hear they were “flippin magical.” But I wouldn’t know. You see, I am allergic to cocoa and have been all my life. But since many people in my life love the stuff, why would I inflict my chocolate-free lifestyle on others?  So when my sister visited this weekend and we made cupcakes for a little spring fling, we made a batch of vanilla cupcakes (for me) and a batch of these little chocolate beauties.

The recipe for the chocolate cupcakes is from Dorie Greenspan’s Baking: From My Home to Yours and includes cocoa powder and melted chocolate. Then, we added some chocolate chips just for fun. Why not? And while Ms. Greenspan’s chocolate glaze sounded delightful, I tend to prefer mountains of frosting on my cupcakes, even when I am not the one eating them. I suppose I express my love through frosting.

Excitement

The last few weeks have been quite exciting for Dan and me. We have been busy planning for our new home in Pittsburgh!  Last weekend, we got to see the progress on our new house, and even got a sneak peek of our brand new ovens from which delicious baked goods will soon be flowing! Aren't they pretty???

Soon, they will be nestled between maple cabinets right in here (just off to the left out of the frame) - 

And soon, I will be happily cooking and baking with a view to our family room...

...And serving holiday meals in our dining room!

As you can see, things are still in progress in our new home, but it is really coming together!  It will not be too much longer before we make the big move - stay tuned for more updates!