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Monday, August 2, 2010

Accessorizing: It's Not Just for Clothes Anymore!

Think of your favorite outfit. You know, the one you can count on to make you look fabulous no matter what day of the month it is. You wish it could remain in your wardrobe forever but unfortunately, times and trends change. Sometimes, it's possible to extend the lifespan of said outfit by implementing a little creativity and mixing up your selection of earrings, shoes, or handbag - it's actually quite doable! Such is the case with this classic recipe for Banana Bread that takes on a delicious new spin with a fabulous new accessory: coconut topping!

The recipe for the bread itself is pretty straightforward, like a classic Chanel suit, you have a pretty good idea of what a Banana Bread is going to look like. I've always used sour cream in my Banana Bread recipe to ensure just the right level of moistness that is the hallmark of a perfect loaf. "Savor the Moment's" Sour Cream Banana Bread (p. 87) takes it to another level adding a deliciously sweet "tiara" of coconut, brown sugar and chopped pecans. As with any changes to a classic, I was not sure if it would be an improvement or an unwelcome distraction from the original. I am happy to report the topping was delicious and was a welcome alternative to a casual, "naked" bread.

Once the bread is baked you simply melt the brown sugar and butter in a saucepan, add the pecans and coconut and spoon over the bread while still warm. I will definitely be adding this recipe to my repertoire for those times when I'm looking to accessorize an old favorite. Give it a try and let me know what you think and remember, you can purchase your very own copy of "Savor the Moment" by visiting http://www.jlbr.org/.

Cheers,



Sour Cream Banana Bread
Bread
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 ripe bananas
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Coconut Topping
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
5 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
For the bread, sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. Beat the sugar, eggs butter and vanilla in a medium bowl. Add the sour cream, mashed bananas and pecans and mix well. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Pour the batter into a greased and floured large loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
For the topping, combine the brown sugar and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the butter is melted, stirring to blend well. Remove from the heat and stir in the pecans and coconut. Spoon over the loaf while warm.
Makes one loaf

10 comments:

  1. oh looks great and love the way your wrote the post fun

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  2. Very cute post!! I'm quite sure if I decorated myself with this dessert I wouldn't find myself fitting into anything! This looks delicious! I just made a similar frosting that I will be posting in a day or so. Very dangerous! Thanks!

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  3. New flavour of coconut makes an all-time bread more tempting. Thanks for the idea!

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  4. The topping on this makes me want to try it.

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  5. It's time to send our son banana bread again to school. Banana bread is his favorite, I bet he will love the new "accessorizing" ~Leslie

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  6. Omg, yum! It's like German Chocolate Frosting...delish =)

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  7. Stephanie...your combo of banana and coconut are most welcomed. Yes...why not dress up one of our classic reliable banana cakes.
    BTW...my whole wardrobe got a very serious workout last year...I gave away 70% of it...wow, how my body has changed...thankfully it's still reliable ;o)

    Have a great week and flavourful wishes,
    Claudia

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  8. a long time ago, my instructor told me people eat with their eyes....accessorizing food makes all the sense in the world..great topping turning just banana bread into ....Yeah!!!! Banana Bread!!!!

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  9. Good luck with your plan to cook your way through the book! Very Julie/Julia indeed! I love the idea of the coconut accessory

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  10. Yikes, my new favorite breakfast food :) Love your posts...And you ingredient pairings are splendid!

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