Blueberry Banana Bread

I had a little pity party yesterday. My second Father's Day without my wonderful dad. And to make it more anticlimactic, David has been in Alaska so there really wasn't any celebratory festivities. The girls and I had a very low key day. Which was actually kind of nice.

When the girls were playing nicely, for the moment, some overripe bananas caught my eye as well as a bowl of blueberries that were surprisingly not all gobbled up from our blueberry picking. That's when I decided to turn the frown upside-down. My dad loved baked goods.

Dad, this one is for you!

Blueberry Banana Bread 

printable recipe

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1 cup blueberries and few to press on top

Preheat oven to 350. Grease loaf pan.

Combine bananas and sugar and whip with wire whisk until fluffy. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until combined. Fold in blueberries. Pour into prepared loaf pan and press down a few blueberries on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes and transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Since you've been gone . . .

Dear Daddy,

Another Father's Day is on the horizon. I could praise you until my dying day, but thought I would let you know what a great father you still are by sharing a few things made possible because of the strength & lessons you have given me throughout my years.

Since you've been gone . . .
I have learned it's okay to start living life without you.
I have learned it's okay to smile and feel happiness without feeling guilt.
I have learned it's okay to look forward to the future.
I have learned it's okay to look back on the past.
I have learned in times of despair, it's better to say something than nothing at all.
I have learned to accept your passing.
I have learned to start healing.

Thank you for still teaching me at my young age of 42. Looks like I will always be the student. And that is perfectly fine by me.

I love you.

Your Little Girl Forever