Stay-On Toddler Hat (and My Favorite Banana Bread)

Quinn is against hats. (He doesn't much care for shoes either, but that's a different post.) So I knit a pilot-style cap thinking that a tie at the chin would be enough. Wrong. Enter necessity, the mother of invention.

(It's hard to take a photo of an unsteady, newly-walking toddler.)

I'm calling this an Astronaut Hat and so far his objections have been limited. Here's a link to the pattern if you're so inclined. I've written it in two sizes 'cause that's just the kinda gal I am.

On to Project Quick-Bread.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to quick breads. There is oil or shortening as a 'wet' base or a dairy (i.e. buttermilk or yogurt) ingredient. After years of trying different recipes I've concluded that for my money, sour cream is the way to go in a banana bread. You can't beat the moistness and it adds just the right kick. As loathe as I am to admit it, Martha Stewart's recipe has become my go-to. And without further ado I give you my favorite banana bread recipe:

Oven:
350 degrees

Yield:
1 loaf

Ingredients:
1/4 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed very ripe banana (about three bananas)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (I leave these out)

Instructions:
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well. Sift the dry ingredients together and combine with butter mixture. Add the bananas, sour cream and vanilla. Stir in nuts if using. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean (about one hour). Turn out loaf onto cooling rack.

Tomorrow: Fruited Pumpkin Bread

Comments

[maya]

that hat is way too cute!

v never liked hats either.

or shoes, for that matter.

still doesn't.

[jessica]

That is my favorite banana bread recipe, too. Sour cream really makes it taste great (have you tried Martha's soft chocolate chip cookie recipe that involves sour cream? It's heavenly!)

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

Super cute little hat on your little man! I will have to try this b-bread, I usually go with one of three recipes that I have the ingredients for when I'm ready to bake. . . keeps it interesting :)

[Paige]

I love these quick-bread recipes you're posting. Thank you! (And I made the buttermilk cinnamon a few days ago. Super yum. Next up is the carrot...)
For the record, my daughter doesn't like pants, socks, or shoes...real nice during these cold winter days, er, months!)

[cindy]

A very cute and practical little cap, Quinn pretty dang cute too:)

[Kathleen]

Thanks for the delicious banana bread, Amy! We made all kinds of pantry-driven substitutions and it looked unlike any other banana bread batter I've made... but it's wonderful! The perfect treat for a sunny Saturday morning.