Bananabread & memories of Hawaii

Illustration by Sophia Katharina x the food and love project

Story and recipe by Katia @katialeonardo_theheavenstudio :

When I was travelling in Hawaii I met this wonderful couple that was beautiful, strong, inspiring healers. Julie, a mermaid (I am not kidding), chef, quantic therapist, Lomi-Lomi massage therapist and Kalani Souza, musician, composer, chef, healer, activist for Hawaiian heritage protection... I was blown away by their beauty, charm, kindness, wisdom and love. One of my favourite foods that I have learnt From them was this one. So, “in a nutshell “ in a form of a banana bread, traditional in Hawai’i, here is a bite on the warm spiciness and exotic feel of moments in Hawai’i, the memories of making orchid necklaces (leys), talks under huge magnificent banyon trees, close to the pacific ocean, eating banana bread... and maybe drinking a Mai Tai 😉 now I cook it for my friends and family and it is quite infinite the variations you can add to make it your own version!

Banana Bread recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 Cup Butter

2 Eggs

1 1/3 cup mashed Bananas

1 Cup of Buckwheat or barley flour

1 1/2 cup rice flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4

Cup toasted chopped walnuts

options:

Ground ginger,

ground cardamom,

rum (big splash),

cinnamon,

2 tablespoons lemon juice and lemon zest.

Preheat the oven and butter a pan (350º) (1 large loaf 9” x 5” bread pan)

Cream sugar, butter eggs and then add the mashed banana.

In a second bowl combine flour, backing powder, baking soda, salt and the spices.

Add dry ingredients to the wet and then add the walnuts once it is well mixed.

Pour it into the pan and bake about one hour, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool 10 min before removing it from the pan.

Mhmmmm……!