We spent most of my childhood going to my grandparents’ hotel in Mt. Dora for most holidays. My favorite thing in the whole world that my grandmother Grace made was Banana Nut Bread. I couldn’t wait to cut off a slice and sink my teeth into it. While I don’t have her original recipe, there’s a good chance that it came out of the old Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book such as this one.

Recipe

1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cream together shortening and sugar; add eggs and beat well. Sift together dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with banana , blending well after each addition. Stir in nuts.

Pour into well-greased 9x5x3 loaf pan. Bake in moderate oven (350º) 45 to 50 minutes or till done. Remove from pan; cool on rack. Wrap and store overnight.

~ Connie Shipley

Scripture

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Prayer

Constant companion, we are told in the scriptures that You will never abandon or forsake us. Now we are told that the Lord is in our midst so we need not fear – even if our hands grow weak. Thank you for being here, there and everywhere. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.