Nigella Lawson Banana Bread.
Nigella Lawson Banana Bread is even better than Upside Down Banana Bread, thanks to the addition of bourbon-soaked raisins. The web offers many variations of this recipe but this is the one I prefer though I’ve done some tinkering and provided rough volume equivalents for those who don’t have a kitchen scale. Makes 1 loaf, approximately 10 slices.
Ingredients:
100 grams raisins (I used currants, about ½ c)
75 ml bourbon (1/3 c)
175 grams all purpose flour (1 ¼ c)
2 t baking powder
½ t baking soda
½ t Kosher salt
125 grams unsalted butter (melted), a stick plus 2T
150 grams sugar (¾ c)
2 large eggs
4 very ripe bananas mashed (approx. 400g total weight with skins on) (use as many as you want)
60 grams chopped walnuts (½ c)
1 t vanilla extract
Method: soak raisins in bourbon until they plump up somewhat, about 2 hours. (You can speed this up by heating the liquor/raisin mixture in the microwave till hot but not boiling.) Cream sugar with melted butter then beat in eggs one at a time, then the bananas, nuts and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add gradually to banana mixture, stirring until well incorporated. Turn batter into a well greased loaf pan and bake in a 325 degree oven till an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about an hour. Cool to room temperature then slice and serve. Nigella Lawson Banana Bread is a luxury on its own but toasting and spreading with butter or cream cheese makes it even more decadent.
