Even my all-star chef friends couldnt guess the secret upgrade.
The hook: an unexpected pantry staple upgrade that I never could have predicted.
However, the closest weve ever come to adding something savory to banana bread has probably been walnuts.
Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack
But Andersons explanation about her sneaky sweet-savory-salty upgrade had me running to the supermarket to replenish my banana stock.
Home bakers called Andersons riff ridiculously moist and even that it was “the family’s favorite banana bread.
The cast members were all stumped.
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
They were aghast when Anderson revealed her saucy secret: Worcestershire sauce.
What is the one ingredient we always talk about when we talk about in it?”
Anderson asks as she explains the role of Worcestershire sauce in her bewildering batter.
Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack
So the day before our gathering, I tied on my apron and set out to follow Andersons lead.
I started by peeling three bananas and slicing them thinly.
Yes, things are already starting off in a quirky way, with slicing, rather than mashing.
The secret:Roast your bananas.
This transforms the inside into the sweet, bread-ready flavor youre used to in overripe bananas.
To do so, place sticker-free in-peel bananas on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
), 2 eggs, and 2 tablespoons ofvegetable oil.
It really does handle a lot of flavornot just for savory dishes but for sweet as well.
While the bananas marinated, I turned my attention to the dry ingredients.
Only stir as much as is necessary to incorporate the dry ingredients.
Anderson estimates that this takes 50 to 60 minutes, however, mine took more like 80 minutes.
As the bread was baking, I noticed an aroma that was faintly Worcestershire-esque, but mostly banana-forward.
Nor could they pick out the secret ingredient from a line up.
Cardamon, cumin, and Wow, Im stumped!
were their top theories.
Worcestershire sauce includes fish (anchovies), and some brands contain gluten.
Next to the salty, buttery walnuts, the batter really shined.
We enjoyed it dessert-style, but it would also be incredible enjoyed as part ofbreakfast or brunch.
