COOKS ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE BANANA BREAD

COOKS ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE BANANA BREAD image

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 3/4 c unbleached all purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
6 large ripe bananas
8 T unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
2 large eggs
3/4 c packed light brown sugar
1 t vanilla extract
1/2 c walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
2 t sugar

Steps:

1. oven 350 and spray 8 1/2 X 4 1/2 pan Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. 2. place 5 bananas in a microwave safe bowl; cover with plastic and cut several steam vents. Microwave on high until bananas are soft and have released liquid, about 5 minutes. Transfer bananas to fine-mesh strainer placed over medium bowl and allow to drain stirring occasionally, 15 minutes(1/2-3/4 liquid) 3. Transfer liquid to medium saucepan and cook over medium-high until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat, stir reduced liquid into bananas, and mash with potato mashed until fairly smooth. Whisk in butter, eggs, brown sugar and vanilla. 4. Pour banana mixture into flour mixture and stir until just combined with some streaks of flour remaining. Gently fold in the walnuts. Scrape batter into prepared pan. Slice remaining banana diagonally into 1/4 inch thick slices. Shingle banana sliced on top of either side of loaf, leaving 1 1/2 inch wide space down center to ensure even rise. Sprinkle with sugar. 5. Bake until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean 55-75 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Remove loaf from pan and continue to cool on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.