Thursday, February 18, 2010

Frosted Banana Bars

I'm FINALLY posting on this blog!

These are a favorite around my house. They're so tasty! I made a few changes (in red) for the high altitude here in Utah. The first time I cooked them, they didn't cook all the way through, but my changes seem to have fixed the problem.

Bars:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 t. vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1 cup mashed ripe banana


Preheat oven to 350 degrees (with utah's high altitude i do 325). Grease 9x13 in. pan.


In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the wet batter. Finally, mix in the mashed banana, spread evenly into the prepared pan.


Bake 25-30 min (45 minutes seems to be perfect at the lower heat). or unitl a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.


Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 lb. powdered sugar


In a bowl, combine the butter and cream cheese. Beat until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until completely smooth.

After the bars have cooled, spread the frosting on top and enjoy!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Blueberry Scones


I made these a few days ago and they were DELICIOUS! I am already thinking of the variations I will try next... Ginger and Cranberries, Lemon and Raspberry.... oh the possibilities!

Blueberry Scones

1 cup white flour
1 cup wheat flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 tea baking powder
1/2 tea salt
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup + 1 TB Buttermilk
1/2 tea vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup blueberries

1 beaten egg plus cinnamon sugar for topping.

Cut the butter into the dry stuff, until you have a grainy looking mixture, mix it well. Beat the buttermilk, eggs and vanilla together and pour into the dry stuff. Add the blueberries and mix until just combined (do not overmix). Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a long rectangle, about 4 inches wide. Using a brush, lightly coat the top with the egg wash, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Using a sharp knife cut into triangles/quadrangles/trapezoids/whatever. (I think I made 8) Spread out on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!