treat 'n trick

It's a cold and rainy halloween!

The combination of chilly, wet night, and slipping mask resulted in sore throat and nearsighted misery the only time I trick or treated as a child. So at a tender young age, I made up my mind it was more fun to stay home, read mysteries, and pass out the goodies than to traipse around and take my chances.

It's a hike for neighbor kids since our houses aren't so close together.

I like to reward doorbell ringers with a substantial prize. This year, it's full size Reese's. We bought snack size Heath bars too, but after sampling a few too many, Hubby reasoned that these, being the size of Scrabble pieces, should only be distributed as the fall back stash.

Holiday planning stresses me out for deep psychological reasons I have yet to discover, but I do like to celebrate occasions spontaneously. With people and ingredients on hand. Overripe bananas were the inspiration for filling the house with wonderful aroma. Serve warm or toast later. Simply, randomly festive. Boo y'all.

One Bowl Banana Bread

(adapted from Betty Crocker and other sources)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Get ready to bake at least one hour plus.

Measure ingredients into one bowl, stir to mix; fold in fruit. Pour into prepared pan. (one large loaf, two smaller ones or muffin cups)

2 cups flour, white or wheat combined

1/2 cup sugar, brown or white

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 Tablespoons salad oil

2 eggs

heaping two cups mashed bananas (3-6 bananas, add other mushy fruit, applesauce or sour cream to supplement; try blueberries)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teas nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Now for the trick: If you have more overripe bananas than you need or you just like to keep them on hand for spur-of-the moment baking, try freezing them. Just peel first before wrapping in plastic. If you leave off labeling like I tend to do, someone might try to microwave one as a bratwurst someday, with the bun already dressed with mustard and relish. Not that I'm verifying that has happened at my house. I'm just sayin'...