Banana loaf with golden syrup (From Durham Times)

Banana loaf with golden syrup

1:50pm Friday 28th August 2009 in Eating In

THIS week’s recipe is for a dessert that couldn’t be easier.

And it’s a great way of using those bananas that are beginning to go black that most people don’t seem to want to eat – despite them being at their best at that stage.

It’s so easy, it only really needs two utensils: a food processor (or mixing bowl) and a loaf tin.

Who needs to buy ready-made desserts?

serves 4 to 6 60g hazelnuts 250g self-raising flour 125g soft unsalted butter Four ripe bananas 60g soft brown sugar Four eggs Four tablespoons spoons golden syrup (plus a little more to serve) 1kg loaf tin – buttered Jersey ice cream to serve Pre-heat the oven to180C, gas mark 4 Sieve the self-raising flour and, along with all the other ingredients, put into a food processor and blend everything to a batter.

If you don’t have a food processor, place all the ingredients into a bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.

Pour the batter into the loaf tin and place in the oven for 50 minutes.

Remove from the oven and test to see if the loaf’s cooked by inserting a skewer or thin knife into the centre. If the skewer comes out clean, the loaf’s cooked. If not, put the tin back in the oven for another ten to 15 minutes before testing again.

Once cooked, allow the loaf to rest for ten minutes before removing from the tin. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, gently heat a few spoonfuls of golden syrup and add a little water to thin it slightly.

To serve, cut the loaf into thick slices. Put onto a plate, scoop a ball of Jersey ice cream on the top and then spoon syrup over the lot.

● Oldfields Restaurants cookbook, Passion for Real Food, is available in bookshops. For discounted copies, contact the restaurants in Dean Street, Newcastle, on 0191-212-1210 or Claypath, Durham, on 0191- 370-9595 or go to www.oldfieldsrestaurants.com.