Below is a recipe for Billy's Banana Bread using local "figs." Ingredients: 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) of unsalted butter 1/2 cup of Bajan sugar (granulated "white" sugar can be substituted) 1/2 cup honey 2 large eggs 2 cups of mashed, very ripe bananas (skin nearly black) sprinkled with a dash of Mt Gay Extra Old rum (optional) 1 1/2 cups flour 1/3 teaspoon baking soda 2/3 teaspoon salt Zest of 1 small lime plus 1 teaspoon of the juice Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, diced dates, or chopped pitted prunes Method: Cream the butter and the sugar using an electric beater; add the honey and beat to a light and smooth consistency. Add the eggs, one at a time until incorporated---do not over beat the mixture. Add the mashed bananas, lime zest and juice, and mix thoroughly by hand. Sift together the remaining dry ingredients and blend thoroughly into the mixture. If using, fold in the optional ingredients. Butter completely and then apply a layer of cooking spray to a loaf tin ( 12" x 4.5") and pour in the batter. Run a butter knife once through the center. Bake in the center of a pre-heated 350 F oven for 1 hour or until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out cleanly. |