I have another Banana Bread recipe on this blog. Its perfect and amazing and I have made it no less then fifty times.
But then my dear hubby brought some other woman's banana bread home from work. And then he said... get this...
"I like this better."
I Faint.
I Sob.
I Throw myself on the floor in a fit of justified hysteria.
And then I decided to see if I could replicate it. Cause he was right, it was fabulous.
I found a recipe that was a bit different, tweaked it a bit, and boy am I happy.
Its amazing. Delicious. Moist. Full of wonderful banana flavor. I would never have known this banana bread bliss had another woman's baked goods not threatened to capture my hubbies heart.
But remember I have some news?
Well, turns out that a fabulous publisher thinks I have a book in me.
I will be writing a book based on the creations like you see here on iambaker. Most of the book will be new ideas, but there will also be some revamped old favorites. (Like the Rose Cake. Its probably my favorite cake ever!)
So I had this big "surprise" moment planned out in my head. A year or so from now I would announce, "I've written a book! Here it is!"
But something just didnt feel right about that.
See, this blog wouldn't be much without you.
Without your feedback and comments and participation.
We have teamed up nicely to do Cake Challenges.
We have succeeded in making baked goods for people across the country.
We have brainstormed ways to give baked gifts to people in need.
Did you catch the important word in all those things?
We.
I would not be writing a book if it weren't for us.
So, dear friends, it just doesn't seem right to not have you be a part of this process.
I want to include you and share secrets and behind the scenes happenings with you. I want you, my friends, to get more then the person who just picks up a copy of the book on a bookshelf. (Right now I am just hoping that someone gets the opportunity to pick one up on a bookshelf! It still seems like an impossible dream!)
We have come this far. Now lets take it to the next level.
You may have noticed that my blog posting has slowed down considerably and that I have started a "Baking With" feature. This is because I have been busy with (having four kids and a husband whom are my first priority!) book stuff and just cant bake three treats a week like I used too.
Its a bummer to me that I cant post as often right now, but it is my hope that you will understand. That you will embrace the people that have graciously agreed to join the iambaker baking family through guest posts. That you will do what friends do... tell me if an idea needs work or if I buttercream frosting in my hair or if I am just nuts.
And now for the recipe: (Adapted from Allrecipes.com)
Perfect Banana Bread
2 eggs
1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup ripe mashed bananas
1 ½ cups white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and prepare chosen pan.
Blend together the eggs, yogurt, oil, extract and bananas in mixer with low speed.
Add in sugars and fully incorporate. Then add flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until just combined.
Pour into prepared pan and bake 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
I have doubled this recipe with great success.
(Be sure to start checking your banana bread at 45 minutes. I have had it be done in 50 minutes or heard that it can take as much as 75 minutes. It just depends on the accuracy of your oven.)
Enjoy!
In case I forgot to mention, I am hoping for a fall release for the book, which means I will need to get it done very early on in 2012. This tight deadline is tough, but good. I am excited! Nervous. But mostly just grateful for this amazing opportunity.
I hope you know how thankful I am that you are willing to come along for the ride.
Amanda...I am so incredibly excited for you. And so incredibly excited that someday your beautiful creations will live in my kitchen...in a book...not just on the computer. With your help, I know I'll be able to make pretty cakes someday. Can't WAIT to see it.
Can I have your autograph?!? Really?
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Congratulations! That's so wonderful and fantastic and well deserved. :) I can hardly wait to get it; you're incredibly gifted.
Posted by: Darla | Bakingdom | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Wow! that's a wonderful news Amanda! :) Congratulations! Looking forward to the release of your book :)
Posted by: Aikko | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Ok... if you didn't know, I don't use the term "SQUEEE!!!!!" very often - it's reserved for truly momentous occasions. So excuse me but.. "SQUEEEEE!!!!!!" WOO HOO!!!
Ahem.. I feel better now.
Congratulations!!! All I can say "well, it's ABOUT time!!!
Seriously... could not be happier for you!!!
Posted by: [email protected] | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:26 PM
I can't wait to it, Amanda. Happy for you! All the best!
Posted by: BMTCakeDesigns by Bobie | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:26 PM
Congratulations! How exciting this must be for you. I'm thrilled for all of you baking bloggers writing books - I can't wait to see yours! (and the great thing about writing a blog is, you can have buttercream frosting in your hair, and we'd never know!)
Posted by: Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:27 PM
AWESOME!!!!! I came along to your blog when I first saw the Jack-o-lantern cake and have loved you (and your blog) ever since! I would be first in line at your book signing. Then I could say I've met PW AND Amanda from I Am Baker/Mommy!!! Dream come true I tell ya! Really, I would buy your book and love every page, I'm sure! Good luck getting it all done on time. We'll still be here when you're able to breath afterwards. :)
Posted by: Amanda | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:27 PM
That is amazing news...you will do wonderful...and I will be looking for the book on the shelves!
I promise to tell you when you have batter in your hair, flour on your forehead or a literary stumbling block...we will be here to encourage you!
Congratulations Amanda and family!
Posted by: Shellie Cadogan | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:30 PM
Awesome news, Congratulations! See, I knew you'd be famous, I asked you for your autograph a long time ago :P I'm so excited for you!
Posted by: Renee | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:31 PM
Congratulations! That is AWESOME news! <3 Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie Fromkin | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:34 PM
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and I'm so excited to finally see all your amazing creations in print!
Posted by: Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:39 PM
So happy for you! You will write a wonderful book and I can't wait to see all of your ideas!
Posted by: MIss | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:39 PM
Congrats, that's really awesome! I can't wait to buy a copy when it's all finished!
Posted by: Annie | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:40 PM
Yay!! Amanda, I'm so truly happy for you. What a journey you're about to go on, and you deserve it all. I'm not sure I can wait another year, but I can promise you that I will be buying your book for everyone I know! xo
Posted by: Rosie @ Sweetapolita | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:40 PM
well done Amanda AND WELL DESERVED!!! I AM OVER THE MOON FOR YOU!!! and i simply cannot wait to see the beautiful book i know you'll create - you. are. FABULOUS!!!
Posted by: SMITH BITES | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:41 PM
Congratulations! awesome news!
Posted by: Helene | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:41 PM
Wonderful! So exciting for you! I would be ecstatic!
Posted by: Cathy | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:42 PM
YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I am screaming out-loud!!!!!! this is so exciting!!! I can't wait for the book to be released! CONGRATULATIONS a million times!
Megan
Posted by: Megan | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:44 PM
Congratulations...I'm so excited for everyone who gets a book deal. And just as excited it's not me...I think that would put me over the edge! It had to be YOU!
Posted by: Barbara | Creative Culinary | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Oh wow.. those are great news! Congratulations.. and totally deserving... now we just have to wait a year for the delicious book!
Posted by: Monica | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:46 PM
OMGosh, that is such awesome news girl!!! Congratulations!!!! Can't wait to add YOUR book to my collection!!! Hugs
Posted by: Laurie | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:48 PM
YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
So...are ya going to title it, "Calorie Heavy"?
JUST SAYIN'!!!!
For real though...I am SO excited for you! And I totally can't wait to buy your book. And I hope you come do book signings...in the Finger Lakes (and Tracie and I will host you for a baking weekend or something fun).
Really and truly excited for you and can't wait!
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1383896427 | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Congratulations! I am very excited for you and can't wait to buy a copy!
Posted by: Lorie | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:53 PM
But it sure looks delicious! that butter melting over there is the best!
http://bitstreats.blogspot.com/
Posted by: betty | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Wonderful news! Congratulations on your major success! BUT! the important matter at hand is banana bread. I don't mean to be a bother, but I've been touting my banana bread for all of my baking life... and never seen another one like it. If you're at all interested in trying another recipe, please try this one. This is the recipe I've given to more than one wife-of-a-co-worker. I aim for marital happiness. :)
http://justlikemarypoppins.blogspot.com/2010/10/best-bread-of-your-life.html?m=1
Posted by: aubry. | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Oh Amanda that is so EXCITING!!!!! I'm sure it will be an amazing book, all your treats are beautiful :) Looking forward to seeing the journey to the book release.
Posted by: Diane {Created by Diane} | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Congratulations Amanda, this is such an exciting opportunity for you and your family. I'll be anxiously awaiting the release of what promises to be as beautiful a book as this blog is. Best wishes over the next few months meeting all the deadlines ;)
Posted by: Paula | Sep 30, 2011 at 08:56 PM
Congratulations. Your work is very compelling, I know your book will be as well.
Posted by: Danee Kaplan | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:06 PM
I saw your tweet to Justin a while back and I kind of figured it out. So glad to hear the great news cause you have a wonderfully unique voice that makes people feel welcome and wanting to hear more. Predicting it will be a very popular book! Yay, you! Yay!
Posted by: Lisa @ GF Canteen | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:09 PM
Wahooo!!! Congrats love! I can't wait to until it comes out, it will be just a lovely as you. Just remember to breathe ;)
Posted by: Tickled Red | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:11 PM
Congrats! I can't wait to see your book! I love that you are including your readers :)
Posted by: Stephanie | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Congratulations, Amanda! Couldn't happen to a nicer (or more talented) person! Can't wait for the book. Seems I'm going to have to make a special spot in my kitchen for cookbooks written by my bloggy friends:)
Posted by: Sue | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:12 PM
I an FREAKING OUT!! O.M.WORD!! I'm so so so excited for you!! Yay!!!
Posted by: darcie | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:17 PM
YAY!! Congratulations, you definitely deserve a book to share all of the amazingly creative, yummy things you create!! I can't wait to buy yours to go along with my Pioneer Woman cookbook - love you both!! I hope you'll come down this way for a signing some time! : ) So excited for you!!
Aimee @
justkiddingaroundatlanta
Posted by: aimee | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:24 PM
Congratulations Amanda! That is so exciting!
Posted by: Bediels & Co. (Jen) | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Amanda, Amanda, Amanda - I am SO happy for you! We have believed in you for ages - and now more people will benefit from your baking experience and generous sharing nature. I am proud to call you a friend and can't wait to help you succeed :-) xoxoxoxoxox Michelle
Posted by: Michelle (What's Cooking with Kids) | Sep 30, 2011 at 09:52 PM
So happy for you - love your creations and can't wait to own a book by you!! Hooray, CONGRATULATIONS!! :-)
Posted by: Courtney | Sep 30, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Congratulations! That is super exciting! Can't wait to hear about the book writing journey!
Posted by: Stephanie | Sep 30, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Amanda.... I am doing a happy, happy dance for you right now!! YAYYYY!!!!! So excited about this new adventure! You have always been so gracious about sharing your talents with others...it is only fitting for you to publish all of your talents and creations into a book! But I think even more than your baking... what I love about you is your love for your family.... your priorities are right where they need to be:) Being a mommy is definitely the hardest but most rewarding job out there!!! You are amazing!!! Thanks for all of your inspiration....thanks for challenging me to give it my all...in both baking and "mommy-hood!"
Posted by: amalia | Sep 30, 2011 at 10:48 PM
So exciting! Congrats!! Love the blog...I'm sure the book will be beautiful!
Posted by: sarah | Sep 30, 2011 at 11:13 PM
Sure the banana bread looks great but I am all about your BOOK DEAL!!! I am so excited for you my friend and yes, you had to share the news with us. Waiting a year would have been torture!!
Congratulations :)
Posted by: [email protected] | Sep 30, 2011 at 11:15 PM
Congrats congrats!! This is going to be one awesome book, no doubt! I can't wait to see it!!
Posted by: Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. | Sep 30, 2011 at 11:31 PM
WOW, Amanda, that's fantastic news!!! I'm very excited for you, I already know that your book is going to be amazing, and I can't wait to see it once it hits shelves. Congratulations!
Posted by: [email protected] | Oct 01, 2011 at 01:17 AM
Yes indeed, you are an amazing gal! congratulations to you from the bottom of my heart! in this book-writing process, always know you've got an army of fans supporting you every step of the way. :) can't wait to see this book on the shelves!!!!
and ps. that banana bread looks DIVINE! yum yum!
Posted by: Atthepatisserie.wordpress.com | Oct 01, 2011 at 01:45 AM
Such good news needs a cake celebration feast!
I am delighted and happy for you!!
All the best, Eliana
Posted by: Eliana | Oct 01, 2011 at 02:32 AM
Congratulations! I've been following your blo for a while and it's AMAZING! i'm So happy for you! I hope the book gets to Spain ;-)
Posted by: Isa | Oct 01, 2011 at 02:38 AM
That is wonderful news Amanda! I'm thrilled for you and this opportunity. I can't wait to see it all come to fruition, and have an amazing collection from you sitting on my bakers rack.
Many blessings as you journey on...
Posted by: Amy K | Oct 01, 2011 at 04:22 AM
Amanda
So so very proud of you...a little jealous too :) but way more proud and so happy! Can't wait until it is ready!! Can I be on the "pre-release" review list?! :) Wishing I could see you in person and give you a HUGE hug but just know I am sending my love from afar!!
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Smith | Oct 01, 2011 at 06:18 AM
The publisher is RIGHT! Congratulations! I'm so excited for you and the book!!!
Posted by: Jenna | Oct 01, 2011 at 06:49 AM
WOoHOo!! Congratulations what an amazing testament to your blogging, cooking, writing, baking, etc etc prowess. You are brilliant and I can't wait to see the book. I hope your publisher plans to have it out here in Australia!
xx
Posted by: Jadey | Oct 01, 2011 at 07:14 AM