Peeling back the layers and making banana bread

Imagine, a social gathering where there are many new introductions made.

Polite questioner, "And what do you do?" (with a hopeful expression that this is something the polite questioner can relate to).

Me (Searching for the short answer), "I'm an artist" 

Polite questioner, "Hmmmm, that's interesting (image of the stereotypical nonconformist, hard-living, paint splattered, unkempt party animal artist streaks through the thought), I myself can't draw a stick figure. And what prompted you to become an artist?"

Me (There is no short answer here, so being the rebel that my mother thinks I am, I launch into the long answer), "Well ... I can't remember a time when I wasn't creating.  It is a passion born in me and undeniable.  In my childhood I learned to draw, craft, crochet, knit, sew, cook and clean (and ride herd on three younger brothers). I was always engaged in critical thinking, which was a necessary part of life in a farm family. 

I did go on to college and earn a degree in art, but my real credentials are life experiences. I have been a store clerk, window dresser, dental tech, cook, house cleaner, seamstress, business owner, bartender, wife and mother (most creative of all) who has lived on a shoestring while raising four kids.  

Now, I have the luxury of putting my passion and experiences to paper or canvas with pencil and paint.   Everything I have ever done and likely will ever do, has demanded creative thinking and that engagement of the creative in me has kept me sane."

Polite questioner is now looking for the exit.

Now you're wondering what all this has to do with banana bread, right?  One of my great creative passions happens in the kitchen, or over a campfire, and I am going to share one of my all-time-best recipes with you.  Consider this a thank-you for indulging me and reading my blog.  This recipe comes from my hometown Lutheran church cookbook, now dogeared and food splattered.  The recipes in this book are tried and true manifestations of family love and community sharing.

Banana Nut Bread (Mrs. Julian Gunlikson)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
3 T milk
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup nuts
Cream sugar and butter, add eggs, bananas, milk, flour, soda, salt and nuts.  Bake in greased and floured loaf pan (9x5x3) at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  Test with pick for doneness.

Enjoy.