I just baked banana bread!
I live on the 2nd floor of our house whilst the kitchen is in the basement, as far away as it is possible to be whilst still being in the house. I was enjoying the smells wafting up of fresh baking banana sweetness and thought I might go check on it, even though it wasn't due out for 7 minutes at least, probably more because I hadn't preheated properly. As I trundled down the stairs the sweet banana smell became slightly more sour and by the time I got to the ground floor I was jogging. On the stairs to the basement I was running because all I could smell was my delicious bread burning. I pelted to the oven and switched it off and pulled the door open in a quick movement. I grabbed a teatowel and yanked the pan out of the oven and banged it on the stovetop. The top of the banana bread was slighty dark. Will it be all right, I wondered, already planning the worst from what my wrinkled-up nose was telling me. Despite the instructions of the recipe to keep the bread in its tin until it cooled slightly, I grabbed both sides of my baking paper and threw the bread onto a cooling rack. Stripped the loaf of its modest coverings. The entire base of the bread was burned black. Still, I was going to save it. With teatowel (stripy green print) wrapped around one hand and a bread knife (green-handled) in the other, I whacked the sides and bottom from my loaf. Despite everything it was cooked perfectly, and wonderfully moist inside. I nibbled a bit of crumb. Still tasty!
Currently she is resting on her cooling rack, waiting for the time when I can prise a warm slice from her and slather it in butter. There may be slightly less of it than I intended, and no delicious chewy crust, but I consider it a success all the same.
