I know I’ve published three banana bread recipes before (a basic version fancied up with espresso mascarpone, a slightly alternative tropical passionfruit coconut version and a healthy-ish tahini heavy version) and there are literally millions to be found on the internet. Maybe even billions, who knows. I still think you need this recipe. It’s the only one I ever make anymore, and whenever anyone asks for the recipe I struggle because it only exists as an ingredients list on my iphone notes. It’s a one bowl mix frequently made the night before work and might be the only reason they kept me around (adjectives used included life changing).
It’s extra moist thanks to oil, tahini and yogurt, heavy on the banana with a thick sugar caramelised top (crucial), and studded with dark chocolate and toasted walnuts. Tahini delivers an extra subtle nuttiness, but you can substitute with extra vegetable oil if you don’t have any. The recipe originated in Violet Bakery’s buttermilk banana bread and has metamorphosed into this over a few years – I never have buttermilk on hand but always have yogurt, like the additional depth of tahini, and have changed quantities around a bit so it works in a standard size loaf tin. Walnuts and dark chocolate also never hurt.
Find the recipe and extra banana bread tips here.
This week
Currently making
Ricotta hotcakes with maple roast rhubarb because lockdown brunch is the real deal. It’s the infamous Bill Granger recipe - tall, fluffy and not too sweet - with a roast rhubarb compote (a bunch of rhubarb washed/trimmed/sliced, 1/4 cup brown sugar, vanilla, peel and juice of 2 oranges, roasted for 30-40 minutes) topped with thick yogurt and maple syrup. You’ll be glad you did.
Brownie crinkle cookies by Ed Kimber, made prior to night shift as the quickest (i.e. no refrigerator time) cookie recipe I could think of. Also dark and gooey and chocolate-y and sea salted. Highly recommend.
Currently consuming
The White Lotus: maybe second to squid game as the netflix show everyone knows about right now (the latter of which I have still not been game enough to watch). A weeklong vacation at an ultra-exclusive Hawaiian resort full of absolutely awful but recognisable privileged people - what could go wrong.
Starstruck (Rose Matafeo’s new show). If you liked Fleabag, this is like an equally awkward and funny but slightly more feel-good version (also only six 20 minute episodes so completely okay to watch in one sitting).