BANANA BALLOONS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat over to 350 degrees
• Combine all ingredients *except for the chopped pecans* in the bowl of your stand mixer and mix on low speed to moisten the ingredients for about 30 seconds. Then increase to medium speed and mix for two minutes.
• Fold in chopped pecans.
• Divide batter between three prepared 8 inch cake pans (I grease, flour, and line my pans with parchment). Bake at 350 f for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Cut the butter into slices and add to the bowl of your mixer. Beat on low to medium speed until the butter is softened and smooth.
• Cut the cold cream cheese into pieces and add to the butter, beating at low to medium speed until incorporated. If you are using a hand mixer you may need to soften the cream cheese a bit more.
• Add the vanilla. Gradually add the powdered sugar beating on low speed until blended. Cover the bowl with a towel to keep down the cloud of powdered sugar.
• Increase mixing speed and beat until fluffy. Don't over beat or it will become too soft. If it becomes too soft, just refrigerate a short while to firm it up a bit.
• This frosting will pipe best if used while still chilled. You can make it in advance, refrigerate and when ready to use let it soften slightly (do not microwave) and remix.

Steps:

• Put the flour, yeast and sugar into a large bowl and blend them together. Pour in the water, and when everything looks craggy and lumpy, stir in the salt. Stir in the oil. Using your hands gather everything together into a doughy mass. Knead the dough for 100 presses, in the bowl or on a work surface. Dust lightly with flour if required. Cover the dough bowl with a large upturned mixing bowl and leave it in a warm place for the dough to double in size, which will take about an hour. Rub some oil around the inside of a 1kg/2lb loaf tin. Knead the dough for another 100 presses. Shape the dough and put it into your prepared tin. Invert a large mixing bowl over the tin and leave it to rise in a warm place for 35 minutes. Pre-heat the oven. Remove the inverted bowl and bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes. Turn the bread out of the tin, tap the base and if it sounds hollow the bread is cooked. Leave to cool on a wire rack.