Banana Cake for Morning Smoko

Providing a tasty selection of eats to employees and visitors has long been a source of pride for any typical farming household. My Grandmother was a great home cook, and my mother has always continued this tradition in the way she caters for all who visit the farm. My Grandfather often joked that 'the more you eat the better you're paid', and I know there have been many, many hundreds of contractors, shearers, shepherds, family, friends and neighbours who have appreciated the time and effort these super women have put into feeding them.

With Mum busy in the yards it was my turn to make the morning smoko for Kevin the mobile crutching (for the non-farmers out there, that's trimming the wool from around the sheep's bottom) contractor and all the family working in the yards to keep the sheep moving.  To go with the cake I made Garden Brushetta with sourdough, and traditional Cheese Scones. I got the Banana Cake recipe from the ever reliable Edmond's Cookbook.

Banana Cake

125g butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 to 3 very ripe bananas
2 tablespoons hot milk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat the oven to 180deg. C. and line a 20- 22cm baking tin with baking paper. 

Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. 

Beat the eggs in one at a time until well combined. 

Mash the bananas, and using a spatula or wooden spoon stir them into the butter mix. 

Dissolve the baking soda in the hot milk and stir into the mixture. 

Lastly, fold the sifted flour and baking powder into the mixture. 

Place the mixture into the baking tin and smooth over the top. 

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. 

Allow to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring to a baking rack. Allow to cool completely before attempting to remove the baking paper as the cake is quite delicate, but also really delicious, when warm.






For a simple and quick Lemon Icing, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Add as much icing sugar as is required to make a smooth spreadable icing. Spread over the cake once it is cool. 

Little Miss had a great time helping chase the sheep up in the yards.