Jill's Banana Cake

This is a legit Midwestern recipe. Jill was my next door neighbor some twenty years ago. Alex and I had built our first home while still engaged. The house on the lost next to ours started being built as a spec home after we had married and I have moved in. I remember seeing a very tall blonde man in an Air Force blue uniform with a handheld camcorder standing outside recording the house, and going in while recording a video tour. Ah, those were the days, before Zillow and the explosion of Realtor.com or any other real estate site that can now take you on a virtual tour from across the world.

That Air Force Family did end up buying the house next door and we promptly met Jill and Eric from Kansas. We shared a lot of life with them, borrowed ingredients, spent dinners together, and eventually started having babies. They had Savannah, then Isaac, then we had Naomi. All within the span of a few years. Jill was a RN and came over and helped show me how to get my babies latch to nurse them. I had a key to their house as they also did with mine. One time, when they were on vacation, I got a call to please go into their master bedroom closet and get Eric's full dress uniform including shoes and mail them express in order for him to attend his grandfather's funeral. All that to say, that's the stuff of life, friendship, and community!

In the course of sharing laughter, tears, and baked goods, I had the good fortune to get this recipe from Jill. I can't believe I'm old enough to say I've been making this for 20 years. This recipe is fabulous for breakfast, after school snacks, or after dinner dessert. Enjoy!

Banana Cake

4 ripe bananas (mushed)

3/4 c. butter

3/4 c. white sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

3 eggs

3/4 c. milk

2 1/4 tsp. baking soda

2 1/4 c. flour

Cream butter & sugar, add slightly beaten eggs and milk., In separate bowl mix soda and flour and add to sugar mixture. Put in grease 11 x 13 pan. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes.

Note: I have used a 9 x 13 pan and just increase baking time.