“The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson. Montana is known as Big Sky Country, but here in Washington, we have our fair share of big skies too. Believe it or not, Washington offers up much more than Pike Place Market, rainy days and coffee junkies. Upon moving to the Pacific Northwest, we had no idea we’d be greeted with glorious warm, sunny summers, the calm waters of the Puget Sound and access to not one, but five majestic mountain ranges. The Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier to the East, Mount Baker to the North, Mount St. Helens to the South and last, but not least, the Olympic National Park to the West. Our favorite hike of them all lies in the Olympic National Park at Hurricane Ridge. This park rivals any other in our great National Park System. Atop the summit, you can see clear across to Canada. It’s surreal.
The other weekend, before we headed out, I decided to bake a loaf of banana bread. It was early morning, so I figured it would be nice to start the weekend off with a slice (or two) of fresh, warm bread straight from the oven for breakfast, and then some more later for a post-hike-celebratory treat. Ahh, yes, the ubiquitous banana bread recipe.
Everyone has a favorite version. Whole grain, low-fat, vegan, quinoa, eggless, sourdough, or Mom’s spiced with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cocoa, ginger, or bourbon and combined with cherries, blueberries, mango, apples, peanut butter, pecans or zucchini. It’s the sort of recipe that’s been picked, poked and prodded – and then prodded some more. Around here, our favorite version comes in the form of a loaf laden with dark chocolate chips and…well, … more chocolate chips. C’mon now, it’s more like a dessert than a ‘bread’, since a scoop of vanilla ice cream seems to somehow always make its merry way onto the plate (especially Tony’s plate), as a welcomed accompaniment.
So I figured having dessert for breakfast before or after Hurricane Ridge, might not be the smartest idea. Instead, I decided to try out (yet) another new recipe that didn’t involve too much butter, sugar or chocolate. But had plenty of coconut, walnuts and lime juice. Yum, yum and yum again.
The results: a light, moist, sweet and tangy bread with a delectable coconut topping and lime glaze.
On any ordinary day, this would have been a shining moment. However, when you’re up 6000 feet, above the clouds, with nothing but staggering, awe-inspiring beauty completely surrounding you, it’s hard to think of much else. It was so insanely beautiful and the silence so piercingly deafening…I could barely believe what I could not hear. I realized, for the first time in my life, I heard silence. True silence. This must be the language of the sky.
Hurricane Ridge Banana Bread
Tweaked from Cooking Light
The lime glaze is key to the scrumptiousness of this banana bread, so don’t even think about leaving it out. I even kept the extra to smear on each slice for an extra punch. I’m crazy like that.
Music Pairing: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup + 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 3 tbsp dark rum
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toasted flaked sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- Cooking spray
- 1 tbsp flaked sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Method
Preheat oven to 350°. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, yogurt, rum, and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist. Stir in toasted coconut and walnuts.
Spoon batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon coconut. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Combine powdered sugar and juice, stirring with a whisk; drizzle over warm bread. Cool completely on wire rack.
That first shot. What a stunning view. I wish you’d taken a whole 360 degree series so that the rest of us could stand (with some imagination) momentarily in your shoes. Thank you. And thank you for sharing your miniature mountain in banana recipe too. Yum.
Everything looks delicious – particularly your stunning photographs. Heavens… the sky! Indeed it is bread for the eyes and sustenance for the soul. Thank you for sharing your hike and your recipe.
-Michaela
That is so beautiful. The description of the silence and the beauty reminds me a hot air balloon trip I had. Very surreal. Very peaceful. Thanks for sharing
Your landscape photos are unbelievable! Another reason to visit Washington would be the awesome new soccer team, the Sounders! ;-) That one appeals almost as much as the mountains to my hubbie and I! Great BB variation!
hi kristen – with an irish husband, there is much, much, much soccer (or futbol, i should say) watched in our household!! we’ve been to the stadium once to see a match with real madrid, though he’s a manchester united fan at heart. go sounders!!
I’m blown away by the beauty of your pictures. And your words – ‘This must be the language of the sky’. Thank you for a most memorable post.
hi lickedspoon – it was my pleasure…. :)
Glad to see you back! Stunning and awesome pictures!
I got chills with this one. I have lived in Seattle most of my life and yet have not been to Hurricane Ridge since I was a child too young to remember. Obviously this must be rectified. Thank you for sharing those gorgeous pictures and showing some of the beauty our fair state has to offer.
hi dana – yes, must be rectified immediately! :) it’s a great weekend outing…with the ferry ride over and such. plus, on the way back to the “mainland”, you can stop by the island, pay a visit, and – i’ll fix you a cup of tea and a slice of banana bread!
Beautiful presentation.
Hey now, I don’t ALWAYS reach for the scoop of ice cream. Remember that one time back in 2001 where I went without!!!
I’m usually a fan of lots of chocolate chips in my banana bread too… but this coconut lime version sounds incredibly tasty too!
Your pictures are absolutely amazing! And I love that the bread comes with a music pairing ;-) Great blog!
hi valleywriter – EVERYTHING is better with a music pairing!! :)
The view is breathtaking! I wish I could be there to experience it in reality one day!
How beautiful! Never been to Washington but it looks breathtaking. I love moments like these where you can hear nothing and still know life pulsing through your body.
The bread looks delicious. I love the use of lime and coconut in this recipe.
hi eralda – it’s these small, tiny, moments that count at the end of the day. it’s the ones that i’ll always remember, when others have faded away.
I am jealous and hungry. I guess that means that you’re pictures have done their job. I cannot wait to make this banana bread, I think that is more feasible that heading to Washington anytime soon (even though I can’t wait to do that either).
LOVE your photos! You have a wonderful eye for colors and depth. Love the banana bread because I had those recipes from Cooking Light from a LONG time ago! LOL!
I am speechless. Or is that the silence in my head now, too? This was a beautiful story and a beautiful rendition of banana bread.
I feel refreshed and ready for a long peaceful walk. Thanks for spreading peace!
hi the paper apron – i hope that long walk filled you with calm…and happiness, as it never fails me.
OMG, those landscapes are stunning! i’d love to see that part of the world…
Your bread looks delightful and your pictures are lovely!
Cheers,
Rosa
You make me want to move to the Pacific Northwest. (like I seriously just went to see what Washington State Bar reciprocity is with Illinois)
Great flavors in that bread recipe.
hi whitney – LOL! you crack me up!! did you really check?!?! if you need someone to show you the sights, i’d be happy to be your tour guide!!
I do believe that Washington is one of the most scenic states in the US and you guys are so fortunate to have such beautiful treks in your backyard! Gorgeous pictures and love how you ‘accessorized’ your loaf :)
Love the photos, theres parts of Marin (as I am sure you know) that look like that when the fog rolls in and it is so special.
As to your banana bread – that just looks killer!
hi louann – that portion of the hike completely reminded us of hiking in marin, especially up near mt. tam. though, our favorite hike in marin is the dipsea trail down to stinson beach!
Your photos are GORGEOUS! I made banana muffins yesterday … not nearly as pretty as yours … and wishing I found your blog yesterday!
Breathtaking landscapes, such beautiful scenery in Washington state.
I love the coconut and lime juice in this recipe. It looks and sounds delicious- a great twist on traditional banana bread.
Gorgeous photography, as usual. The ingredients in your banana bread sound awesome. The flaked coconut lends a lovely visual appeal to the bread.
Your banana cake is too die for. I should try this the next time I make my banana bread. The view is stunning and peaceful. Love your photography.
The Coconut and Lime Banana Bread caught my eye…but then your photos, just beautiful—Oh, I miss the west coast and hiking…
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos! Wow, I love it. The banana bread likes refreshing, which is not a word I would normally use to describe banana bread. But with lime and coconut, deliciously tropical!
Stunning photos! And the bread looks really good!
Good to see you back, I keep checking in to see what you’re up to! Amazing you have just made banana bread, I too have just made a banana cake but it was for the base of a novelty christening cake (shortly to be posted). I had forgotten how light banana cake/bread can be and I might have to make it again for myself, although I did make two mini cakes out of the mix for me and P. I love the lime and coconut flavours added to your, how refreshing and it such a pretty photo. Your scenic pictures are fabulous also.
Your pictures!!! Oh my goodness…so gorgeous!
Gorgeous Photos! I love all the unique ingredients in this bread. I am going to bookmark this now!
Wow, nice nice pictures! The banana bread looks terrific with all the others ingredients, we would love to try it, specially my husband :-) which loves banana bread.
Oh, good heavens, giao. I almost have tears in my eyes, it’s so beautiful. I think I love the West, I mean it. All that beauty! All around you! I am so envious – thank you for sharing it here.
WOW Breathtaking photos and bread!! Banana is one of my favorites; coconut and lime well that’s just over the top!
i absolutely love your photography! gorgeous … your recipes look delish too! :)
wooow, your pictures are amaaaazing. and that bread looks AWESOME. what a great idea to add coconut to the banana bread. the rum must give it that extra umph…..
The photos are breathtaking. I can only imagine what is must be like to see this all in person.
I have made the CL recipe for this bread and we really loved it!
Just gorgeous. Made me miss the NW.
omg!! this is just beyond impressive!! those are amazing! m loving it! :)
cheers!
breathtaking photos! I would love to have a slice of that delicious moist banana bread.
Yum! I love banana bread! And banana bread and coconut? Double yum! That last picture is gorgeous!
Great song…
Incredible post! This sounds lightyears better than my banana bread. Beautiful story, photos, recipe – I’m bookmarking this one.
Your pictures are amazing! I wish I could learn to use my camera to take such gorgeous pictures. Your bread looks fantastic too. I love the combination of lime and coconut…a classic:)
Heart-stopping, awesome photos of an area that is stunning!! Thank you for sharing these. I used to be very active but MS has landed me wheel-chaired since ’06. These photos are absolutely magical for me…. I feel like I have legs again and can savor the silence and power in your shots. Thanks for getting me on the trail again!!! oxxo
As a bonus, I am not a BB fan, but this one may turn my head to reconsider. :)
hi kate – it means the world to me that i could savor the moment with you through my photos…thank you for sharing your story, i’m deeply touched…xoxo.
I normally don’t eat banana bread, but with the coconut and lime I would change my mind. Great pics too.
Beautiful pictures! The banana bread sounds really good with all different ingredients!
Your pictures are soo beautiful and your writing is so personable. Definitely inspire a trip to washington (and to visit u – heehee :)) I’m going to try and make it this week. Btw i love the yellow fabric. I would love to buy some to make a tablecloth. Where did u buy it?
hi yvonne – oh, i wish it was a tablecloth! it’s only cardstock, though – that i purchased at a local craft store.
oh! the cardstock is a faaabulous idea for dressing up the pictures! your website has inspired me to take better pictures and to stage my food with more of an artistic eye. btw, i made the banana bread today. really delicious. and i thought it was hilarious that you said not to even think about leaving out the lime drizzle, which i almost did! i’ll post it on my blog soon and credit your website & you for the wonderful inspiration. thanks!
Oh my, that banana bread looks fantastic. And those landscape pictures are absolutely dreamy!
Nice nice pictures! And the banana bread looks very yummie with coconut and lime.
What gorgeous pictures! I love this unique twist on banana bread with the coconut and lime – yum!
Hi!! I’m an italian girl…mmmmh from august wife!! I dont’speak english very well, but I see your blog… is beautiful. I see you more. by by
Wow! What awesome pictures!
There is no way these pictures are for real. Amazing. Makes me even more proud to be a Washingtonian.
Oh my goodness, beautiful photos. I just discovered your blog and I’m a little obsessed now. I will try this banana bread! It looks delicious!
Breathtaking photos, and that banana bread is perfection.
I made this bread last night and it turns out to be the best snack for this grey & rainy day. Rum, coconut & lime = somewhere other than the Pacific Northwest!
I hope you are having better weather or are at least cozy at home today
xoxo
Hello! LOVE your recipes and blog btw.
What camera do you use? I LOVE your pictures!!!
Thank you, CJ! I shoot with a Nikon D70s.
The photos are stunning and the bread looks amazng! One question though – did you put lime zest in the bread? It kind of looks like it from the photo but it isnt in the recipe. Cant wait to try it. Thanks!
Hi Tara! I only used lime juice for the glaze, but if you like things more tart, I’m sure some lime zest would do just the trick! Hope you enjoy it!
Can’t wait to try this. It sounds and smells delicious… baking in the oven right now.
I live on and have grown up on the prairies of Canada. I went to college near Vancouver many years ago and I was able to do a few hikes and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. I’ve got to say, though, that I can enjoy the beauty of wind waving through a wheat field in just the same way and our sunsets! Magnificent!
Speaking of magnificent – I’ve been baking ever since I was married 28 years ago and this is the BEST banana bread I have every tasted! Thanks for the recipe. I’ll be making it lots in the future.
Karen
Delicious! I just made it tonight and would like to repost your recipe to my blog, (linking back here of course.) May I please have your permission to repost this tasty recipe?
Yes, of course! So happy you enjoyed it!
[…] back to baking. Doesn’t this look just delish!? See the recipe and imagine how […]
Hi, I love this recipe. How does it taste without the rum? Can I omit that ingredient or do you have a suggestion on a substitute?
coconut and banana, great combination!
I have been to Hurricane Ridge. My parents and sister live in Port Angeles…Its breathtaking. I REALLY love Sequim with its local, farmy, lavender, cute old people, small town, all American feel! :) I live in Alaska but I am ALWAYS in Washington visiting family. Was there all of March! The Cherry Blossoms are heavenly!
I am SO in love with your blog btw. Amazing. The pictures, recipes, ugh…..I think you and I could be best buds! lol Sorry that was a bit creep but its hard to find people that enjoy things like you and I here in Alaska! :)
I am definitely making this; I love the combination of banana and coconut. Thanks for sharing