This Mennonite girl can cook!

I received this cookbook as a wedding gift 10 years ago and just this week made a recipe from it.  It is a great cookbook which is why I have kept it even though I have not used it. I really like the way this one is formatted but it doesn't have pictures which is probably why I haven't used it. (I know I'm not the only one) 

So as I started this recipe I decided I should channel my Mennonite roots.  

For this episode I will be making an Oatmeal Banana Bread.

First step will be to cream together the sugar and shortening.

Please pay no attention to the cubed shortening, I am pretty sure a good menno girl would not be so frivolous.  

   

Next we will add the vanilla and the eggs

and beat until fluffy!

Follow this by combining the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

Mash the bananas

Now we will add the dry ingredients alternately with the bananas and half and half.  

Then mix thoroughly 

And PS my kitchen did not stay clean during this episode.

Pour batter into a loaf pan and bake at 350 for about 50 minutes.  

When you take the bread out of the oven cover with wax paper and a dish towel. This will keep the moisture in and add to the deliciousness of the bread.  (thanks sis-in-law Heather for this tip)

And here we have the finished product! Delicious Oatmeal Banana Bread!!! 

Matt said this is the best banana bread he has EVER had.  And considering his mother is the best baker in the world I will take this as the hugest compliment he has EVER given me.  

PS if you would like to sample some of his mother's baked goods check out The Kings Coffee House on main street in Lebanon! There you will find fresh baked goods daily, along with delish coffee and home made soups and sandwiches.

And below we have a photo of a very happy husband eating banana bread.  Notice the sea of work in front of him?  The banana bread kept this guy working until 6am!!!! 

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Wow I just realized that I don't think Matt's mom makes banana bread.  hmmmmmm  Perhaps that was the only banana bread he has ever had.  

Banana Oatmeal Bread

from: Mennonite Country-Style Recipes and Secrets

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 vanilla

1 cup flour

1 cup quick oatmeal

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (3 medium)

1/4 cup milk

Cream shortening and sugar thoroughly.  Add eggs and vanilla beating until fluffy.  Next mix together the dry ingredients and add alternately with the bananas and milk.  Pour in greased 9x5 loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. 

One more PS, please do NOT add disgusting chocolate chips or nuts to this bread.  And if you do, don't tell me about it.