After a rather stressful couple of weeks I was glad to have a weekend at home, lounging about in my PJs and spending some quality time with my mum. I'm usually in some other UK city at the weekend or spending time with my friends or boyfriend so it was nice to bond with my mum and snuggle up with the dog. Spending hours getting dressed up and staying out until 4am just isn't my style anymore and in a recent survey by Ladbrokes Bingo 70% of women said they preferred a night in with the girls to a night on the town so I know a few of you feel the same way as me. 

After baking a few weeks ago I wanted to try something a little more challenging so my mum suggested we bake an old family favourite, banana and walnut loaf.

This cake is perfect for morning or afternoon tea. It's light and moist and very easy to make. For the  best results, make sure the bananas are overripe. For me this cake is a great comfort food and I serve it with a little butter spread on top.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160 fan. Line a loaf tin with baking parchment or grease and dust with flour if you don't have any. 
2. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric hand whisk until pale, light, and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and add a tablespoon of the flour after each one. This will stop the mixture curdling.
3. Peel and mash the bananas in a small bowl with a fork, then stir into the loaf mixture, along with the sultanas and walnuts. Fold in the remaining flour, then spoon the mixture into the tin. Smooth the top, pressing well into the corners. 
4. Bake for 1 hour/1 hour 15 minutes, or until risen and firm to the touch. If the top of the cake starts to brown too much before it is fully cooked, cover with foil. Leave to cool on a cooling rack then cut into slices.
   

I want to bake a few more cakes when I have some time off over Christmas. I'm definitely going to make this yule log but do you have any other suggestions for me?