Flavorful Banana Cake Recipe

Thanksgiving again! I am so lucky – I get to enjoy two thanksgivings every year! A Canadian thanksgiving in October and the original Plymouth pilgrim and Native American turkey day tomorrow. Ooh – are you ready? - Not to worry – me, and thousands of others are not ready either, just relying on our skills to pull at all together triumphantly on time - and with the sound of football games in the background, that time can be pretty flexible.

I am planning on a classic roast turkey with all the trimmings- set out on an autumn table with candles lit. There will be two sons, two pies, two friends, and plenty of bonhomie to go around. Here’s a little recipe for the rest of the weekend - something to savor in the afterglow of an annual get together, it is a favorite of my good friend Wendy Lee, and a treat she always brings when she visits.

Flavorful Banana Cake-
Best served with coffee or hot tea, or wrap in a pretty teatowel and bring to a friend’s house- it stays moist for days!

Flavorful Banana Cake

1½ cup Flour
½ tsp. Baking soda
¼ tsp. Salt
½ cup Butter
¾ cup White Sugar
1 Egg
1 cup Mashed banana

-Mix flour, baking soda and salt together. Put aside.
-Cream butter and sugar together.
-Beat in egg, vanilla and banana.
-Stir in flour mixture until well-blended.
-Spread in 9” square or 7” X 11” brownie pan.
-Bake in pre-heated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until browned. (Keep an eye on it )
-Let the cake cool a bit before removing from the pan.
(I use parchment paper to line the bottom of my pans and it comes out really easily.)

I make a simple icing with butter, icing sugar, vanilla, milk and a pinch of salt (I am vague on the quantities as I do it by taste and consistency ) to slather on top- you can also use a tub of Betty Crocker vanilla icing as a time saver.

Happy Thanksgiving, or just have a super weekend!

April

Be Beautiful, Live Beautiful, Feel Beautiful

April's Week of Tips: #1-Pretty Napkins

Essential Napkins

The holidays are around the corner, we will connect in special ways with family and friends to share long-cherished traditions and participate in meaningful rituals. Whether your holiday traditions are quickly pulled together or long planned, complex affairs it's bound to be a memorable and joyful experience. In the upcoming week, I'll share with you a few tips of mine to add a flair of festivity to your home beyond just a beautiful tablecloth.

A simple and easy way to decorate your table - Pretty Folded Napkins.
There many ways to fold napkins, be creative! One of my favorite ways, is to make a small pocket out of the napkin which can hold an array of decorative items [such as pinecones, leaves, little notes, flowers or utensils].


Here's how:


Give this a try, and feel free to post a picture of your beautiful napkin arrangements. I always love to see your creations!

April

Be Beautiful, Live Beautiful, Feel Beautiful