Best Banana Bread Recipe

Everyone knows the story. There is a sale at the local grocery store on bananas, and it is tempting to stock up because bananas are part of a healthy diet. The only problem is that they only last so long and continue to ripen after they are picked. Before long they are a bunch of brown mushy bananas. Don't worry, because now they are perfect for baking a loaf or two of a favorite banana bread recipe.

Ripen Bananas Quickly

Did you know that it is possible to hasten the ripening process of bananas so that they are always on hand? Here are some methods for ripening bananas:

• Freezer Method If there is not enough time to wait for a batch of fresh bananas to ripen, the process can be hastened by sticking them in the freezer. To do this, simply peel them and put them in a freezer bag. Pop them in the freezer and they will be ripe in approximately one half day. This even works for bananas that are slightly still green.
• Paper Bag Method Bananas ripen due to a buildup of ethylene, which is a gas. Placing unpeeled bananas on the top of a refrigerator, where it is slightly warm, in a paper bag will ripen them in about a day.
• Microwave Method This is the quickest method of all. For this method use a fork to score the peel of an unpeeled banana. Place it on a plate in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds to one minute. Allow the banana to cool, then peel. The banana will be soft, but may be still light-colored, allowing the creation of a banana bread that is light in color instead of dark.

Store Ripe Bananas for Later

Once enough ripe bananas have been obtained using any of the above methods, it is possible to store them until it is time for use. Ripe bananas are easy to freeze. Once the bananas are ripened according to preference, simply place them in a bowl and mash them with a fork. They can then be placed in freezer bags in measured amounts that are perfect for a favorite recipe. To use, simply pull them out and allow to thaw naturally, or thaw them in the microwave on the defrost setting.

Popular Additions to Recipes for: Banana Bread

Here are some ideas for variations that can make banana bread even more special:

• Flax seed or oatmeal
• Nuts – walnuts or almonds
• Apples
• Chocolate chips
• Blueberries
• Orange peel and ginger

Top 5 Routes for "Banana Bread"

1. Allrecipes.com Allrecipes has one of the largest selections of banana bread recipes. They have everything from a basic recipe that is good for beginners to banana bread muffins for a delicious start to the morning routine. This site allows visitors to search by ingredient, which is a convenient feature.
2. Simplyrecipes.com Simplyrecipes features simple recipes that do not take a lot of equipment or fuss. The recipes on this site only take a few minutes to mix and feature quick and easy cleanup. They even include a video with each recipe to show exactly how it is done.
3. Food.com Food.com features classic recipes that are tested by thousands of users. Users can try the recipes and then write reviews about the results. This site allows users to interact and become part of the conversation.
4. Foodnetwork.com Food Network offers a host of viewer-rated recipes designed by top chefs. They offer videos, as well as ratings that let you know the difficulty of each recipe. It is an interactive community of users and professionals.
5. Inspiredtaste.com This website features classic recipes with quick videos that accompany them. The site also offers users the ability to rate the recipes and interact. Recipes are given in both U.S. and metric measurements.