February 23rd is National Banana Bread Day! You know the saying, a banana a day keeps the doctor at bay? And, as good neighbors who care about the community’s health, we feel a need to spread the word. To celebrate, we’re cooking up ideas for the ultimate baker’s kitchen and sharing our favorite banana bread recipes!
(Fair warning to anyone who doesn’t find food-based puns ap-peeling: Split now. There will be bunches.)
Love to bake? The best dishes start with the right cooking space. If you want to enhance your quality of life and the value of your home, here are some remodeling design ideas for The Ultimate Baker’s Kitchen.
Bready, set, go!
1. The Best Counters
When it comes to renewing your home, most choices are subjective. Designing a bedroom? Pick the furniture you like best. Converting your basement? There's no wrong way to use that space. When it comes to the art and science of baking, however, making choices that cater to your needs can make all the difference.
Your countertop material is a good example.
Natural stone, like granite, quartz, and marble, is smooth and naturally cool, making it an excellent work surface for bakers. You can work without worrying about your ingredients melting into a puddle or your pie crust sticking quickly to the counter.
DO continue to use trivets or cooling racks under hot dishes or cookware. Natural stone can snap or pop if the temperature changes quickly from cold to hot and vice versa.
A note on marble countertops: Marble is a softer, more porous natural stone than some alternatives and can stain easily. Some liquids may be absorbed by the stone and trapped beneath the surface. We recommend granite or quartz over marble for this reason. But there are quartz options that look like marble if you’re set on a marble aesthetic.
2. Double Up On Appliances
What’s better than installing a top-of-the-line oven and efficient dishwasher? Doubling up on each!
Because baking requires so many tools, like baking tins, baking sheets, mixers, etc., your oven and dishwasher fill up quickly. Consider maximizing your workspace and adding two of each to save time.
Consider whether adding a second refrigerator or stand-alone freezer is right for you.
3. Roll-Out Drawers
When it comes to baking, organization is key. Plan for roll-out drawers within your cabinet and counter design - they make storage (and life) easier. They are huge space savers and come in various sizes to serve all your specific needs. Use a low, wide drawer for small items like cookie cutters and measuring spoons and a tall, thin one to store pans, cookie sheets, and other supplies.
4. Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands not only provide extra working and eating space - but crucial storage as well. U-shaped and L-shaped islands are especially great options for dedicated baking zones. Remember, you’ll want to include plenty of outlets for your favorite countertop appliances. There are even pop-up outlet options! The outlet hides flush with the countertop until you need them.
5. Must-Have Baking Tools
Accessories are critical for a baker's kitchen and are challenging to store. Incorporate storage into your kitchen remodels to accommodate all the fixings. If roll-out drawers aren’t enough, consider a larger island with drawers, dividers to keep your trays organized, and/or vertical shelving.
Baking is all about precision, so having a complete set of measuring cups and spoons on hand is a must.Custom drawer organizers can keep all your measuring and baking utensils in order. Complete your baker’s kitchen with all the fixings and make sure everything has its own home to keep organized.
6. Mix Closed + Open Storage
Again, organization is king! Incorporate a combination of open and hidden storage solutions in your kitchen for best results. Closed storage keeps things tidy, while open storage allows for easy access to items like mixing bowls and dry ingredients.
7. Rolling Cart
A rolling cart is an excellent option if you’re short on cabinets or shelves or don't want to commit to a new kitchen island. It holds all your supplies and can be moved around for convenience and space-saving. They’re stylish to boot - Whether you’re going for a welcoming farmhouse atmosphere or an edgy, industrial kitchen, rolling carts are available in every interior decorating style imaginable!
8. Cook Book + Recipe Storage
Add a corner for your favorite cookbooks, cooking magazines, grandma’s recipe box, and any other baking references. Display them with pride!
Favorite cookbook storage solutions include:
Special Cookbook-Sized Cubbies
Rustic Countertop Box
Shelves Under Your Kitchen Island
Hidden Drawers
Countertop Cookbook Stand (for that one special book)
Built-in Counter-Height Bookcases
A Classic Recipe Box
9. Spice Things Up
Proper spice storage is a great way to keep your kitchen countertop clean and tidy. Whether you prefer a spice rack, spice drawer, spice cabinet, or bookcase, make sure your spice storage suits your cooking habits by installing it by your workstation.
There are no set rules to creating your dream kitchen. Browse our before & after photos in our Project Gallery for more ideas and inspiration.
Now, on to the fruit of the matter…Did someone say Banana Bread?
There’s something super joyful about bananas. Maybe because it grows in the shape of a smile? Throw in our favorite nuts, maybe some chocolate chips… Who can resist?
Picking a Top Banana was no easy feat, but we managed the task for National Banana Bread Day. Behold!
Maverick’s #1 Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
3 large ripe or overripe bananas (easily mashable)
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
1 teaspoon salt (1/2 teaspoon if using salted butter)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Peel and puree bananas until smooth. You should have 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups of banana puree.
3. Mix wet ingredients and sugar - Place the banana puree into a large mixing bowl. Stir the melted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk to break up any clumps.
4. In a second bowl, whisk together dry ingredients - flour and baking soda.
5. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Stir until just incorporated.
6. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake in the oven for 1 hour or until the loaf feels relatively firm and bounces back when you gently push the top. If the loaf still has some give, keep baking it.
7. Remove the bread from the oven, set it on a cooling rack, and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and place it on the rack to cool completely.
8. Slice & Enjoy!
If the state of your kitchen is driving you bananas, we can help. Use the form at the bottom if you’re ready to renew your home.
Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc has been a member of NARI since 2006. Several benefits associated with membership include Community, Education, Certification, Access, and more. Kelly Berlin, Vice President of Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc., served as a board member of NARI’s Rocky Mountain Chapter for three years to help promote the remodeling industry and encourage others to commit to integrity, transparency, and education.
