I didn’t believe in super tasters until I met my husband, Daniel. Not because he has them, more like the opposite. Coming from a family captivated by food, I just assumed that was normal. Daniel, however, lacks the love for sauces, spices, textures, and generally craves all things BLAND. And, I have to say the same thing goes for most of our friends as well. They will pick things off or take it dry, and they hate trying new things.
But, there is one friend in particular who just gets it. I’m assuming she is part of the elite club of us super tasters [flips hair and looks superior]. My friend Lyndsey and I met in college. I can’t say it was one of those friendships that just hit it off immediately. I don’t think we quite understood each other for almost a year. Then, logically, we moved in together. Looking back, it’s kind of comical. The reason we couldn’t figure each other out is more than likely, because we were so similar.
Strong-willed woman, check
Loves a good debate, check
Planner, check
Loves to be right, check
Funny, check
Self-deprecating, check
Loves food, check, check, and check
Etc.
Our rise to friendship was somewhat anti-climactic. But, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Lyndsey is one of those people who is solid, unwavering, and absolutely hilarious. She is methodical and intentional. She doesn’t ever have opinions because they are “cool,” but because they are based off of her convictions. And, I think that is what ties us together the most. Our faith.
And she can cook, oh boy, can she cook.
I was lucky enough to catch up with her this weekend in my kitchen. Graced with heavy conversations about life, along with deep discussions about what really qualifies one as a hipster. We ended the day with her decadent, warm, banana-maple bars topped with the smoky flavors of a browned butter glaze. Get in my mouth! Can I get that glaze in a to-go cup?
See? I told you this girl gets food. You have to make this recipe because it’s comes together quick but tastes like it took hours. Get ready to impress a crowd of hipsters. And, you can count on us getting together in the kitchen again to bring you some more of Lyndsey’s recipes. Because↓
Banana Maple Bars with a Browned Butter Glaze
A recipe for delicious banana maple bars slathered with a browned butter glaze. Made from ingredients in your cupboard right now.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
|| Banana Maple Bars ||
1/2 cup butter
1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
2 ripe bananas (or 2/3 cup mashed)
1 egg plus one egg yolk
1 teaspoons vanilla
3 tablespoons real maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus one tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
|| Brown Butter Glaze ||
1/4 cup butter
1 heaping cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
|| Banana Maple Bars || Melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until melted together. Set aside and let cool slightly.
Mash the ripe bananas, and add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking soda. Add the flour to the banana mixture along with the butter and sugar mixture, and mix well.
Pour into a well-greased 9×9-inch pan and place into the oven for 35 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
|| Brown Butter Glaze || Brown the butter in a small sauce pan under medium heat, stirring constantly. When foaming subsides, the butter will begin to reveal specks of brown and will give off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and whisk in the rest of the ingredients until smooth. Glaze over the slightly-cooled banana bars.
Keywords: bananas, browned butter, browned butter glaze, maple, maple bars
