Among the responses to the DiningOut-EatingIn Q of what is your favorite cookbook is the “Noteworthy” series put out by the Ravinia Festival organization. As many Midwesterners know, Ravinia Festival is the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a popular picnic under the stars park to enjoy everything from jazz and classical music to pop, folk, country and even movies.
The cookbooks began as a three-year project of the Ravinia Festival Association’s Women’s Board first printed in 1986. The book sold out so quickly it had several printings. Noteworthy can be found used.
What to do when your bananas don’t look great? Bakers know to make banana nut bread. The recipe listed here is a favorite, easy-to-do suggestion from a responder. It, like all the other recipes in the book was tested twice.
INGRDEDIENTS
¼ lb plus 3 Tbs unsalted butter
1 1/3 c sugar
4 eggs, beaten
4 c sifted flour
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
3 cups very ripe bananas mashed
1 cup chopped walnuts
INSTRUCTIONS
In large bowl cream butter and sugar
Add eggs and mix well
In another bowl sift together flour, baking powder baking soda and salt.
Then add this to the large bowl by alternating it with the addition of mashed bananas.
Pour mixture into a greased 9 by 5 inch loaf pan or two 7 by 4 inch greased pans.
Bake in preheated 350 degrees oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool in pan for five minutes then remove to rack.
(note: Watch for more cookbook and recipe favorites. Also feel free to make your own cookbook and recipe recommendation in comments. The site is secure.)
