On Saturday we had the great opportunity to meet the lovely Joy from Joy the Baker at her book signing in Winnetka, Illinois! Unfortunately we got there just as her last book was sold, so we didn't have an actual book for her to sign--regardless, we still waited to talk to her and it was so worth it. She is incredibly nice, personable, and just all-around cute! It makes sense why so many people love her blog and her great personality that shines through in her writing. She is just as fun and witty in person! (She also mentioned that she has seen our blog--whoa nelly! Joy, you rock! Thanks for the support!)
Since we missed out on getting her book, I thought I'd make a recipe of hers from her blog that I've been wanting to try for awhile: Strawberry Brown Butter Banana Bread. Best decision I've made in a long time--this bread is amazing, you guys. It's insanely moist, and the brown butter! Ah! Not to mention the strawberry/banana combo--so classic. If you like traditional banana bread, I promise you will like this one just as much, if not better. This recipe is going down in my top 5 favorite breads for shiz.
If you haven't read Joy's great blog, you should definitely check it out. She's great. And while you're at it, make some of this bread and read her blog at the same time. Joy times two!
Happy Spring Break!
Strawberry Brown Butter Banana Bread
From Joy the Baker
6 ounces unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup plain yogurt (we used greek), or buttermilk
3 very ripe bananas
1/2 cup finely-diced strawberries, plus one thinly-sliced into rounds for the top
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Butter will start to bubble; keep stirring. When butter begins to turn brown and smell nutty, quickly transfer butter to a small bowl to stop the browning process. Browning goes very fast, so make sure you're watching closely! Set aside to cool.
Next, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a separate medium bowl, mix together eggs, vanilla, and yogurt. Add bananas and mash until mixture becomes a puree. Add cooled butter and stir to combine.
Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold together until completely combined. Stir in diced strawberries, being careful not to over-mix. Pour batter into loaf pan and lay strawberry rounds over the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place pan on a cooling rack for 15 minutes, then turn the loaf out onto the rack. Cool completely, then enjoy!
