Banana Bread From The 60′s…

My mom used to make this awesome Banana  Bread when I was little.  She loves cooking and baking, and is very good at it.

She just passed this recipe on to all of us kids -

Mine came from an OLD Pillsbury booklet – cover missing, date not shown.  I am sure it’s from the 60′s. Maybe there’s a better recipe out there, but this is the one I used to use when you kids were small…

It’s an easy recipe to make and a great way to get rid of old mushy bananas.

Banana Bread

(Developed by Ann Pillsbury)

Bake 350 for 60-70 min.  Makes 9×5″ loaf

Sift together 2 cups sifted Pillsbury Best All Purpose Flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Cream 1/2 cup butter, gradually add 1 cup sugar, creaming well.

Add 2 unbeaten eggs and 1 cup mashed bananas (2 medium).  Blend thoroughly.

Combine 1/3 cup milk and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.  Blend well after each addition (with electric mixer use low speed).

Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans – your choice, I think I used to add a few more nuts than called for here)

Turn batter into a 9x5x3 pan, well greased on the bottom.  (I do the whole pan to prevent sticking)

Bake in moderate oven (350) for 60-70 min., test around an hour –  before removing from oven.

You know what else is tasty?   This lovely Caromal Colours morsel that I created-

and this Caromal Colours door I played on today – all paints wet on wet on wet,  creating a ONE layer basecoat – this one added a stippled on stencil  using Toner –

Stay tuned, I’ll post the photo play-by-plays this week!

Easy Way To Peel A Potato…

I know , why in God’s name am I discussing food, when we all know I hate cooking?  Because someone shared this with me and it’s just way cool!  Throw away your potato peeler and watch this video -

My Nachos- A Recipe For The Taking…

If you read me, you know I am not a fan of cooking.  I’m too impatient,  I forget that I have something started and then it burns.  I forget to take things out to thaw.  By time I realize that it’s almost dinner time, and that I better manifest a dish, I’m usually staring at a hunk of frozen meat.

But…. one thing I don’t mind making, and I LOVE eating, are loaded Nachos.   They are pretty easy, except for the chopping….   Freeze the left overs and they’re even better baked the second time -

+ + + +   NACHOS    + + + +

1 lb ground sirloin (2 if you want real meaty)

2  green peppers

1 bundle of green onions

2 big tomatoes

1 large jar mild salsa

2 bags shedded mexican blend cheese (2 cup bags)

1 bags shredded sharp cheddar (2 cup bags)

1 bag white nacho chips

Preheat oven 350

9×13 dish, or lasagna pan,  dump whole bag nacho chips

fry up meat , season with garlic powder.  Spoon fried meat over chips

spoon salsa all over the meat

cut up peppers, onions, and tomatoes.  layer peppers , onions then tomatoes, over meat.

top with 3 bags of cheese.  Press down on pile of food so it all fits in the dish.

bake for 45 minutes. take out and cool.

can freeze leftovers in a plastic freezer bag.  Recook by thawing leftovers, put on cookie sheet  and bake at 350 for 15-20 mins.

Metro Detroit Fun Toddler Cakes….

I know this has nothing to do with faux painting,  but sometimes paths cross you know?

This was a client of mine – nice lady.  Makes cakes.  We chatted it up,  she was passionate about her creativity as I was in mine.  She makes FIRST year birthday cakes.

I am a sucker for passionate artists!

So I told her to send me some photos -

If you like what you see and want more info?  Email Mary Jane at   ladyjane48329@yahoo.com