KONA INN (HAWAII) BANANA BREAD

The Scent of Kona and Banana Bread

As a busy businesswoman, the world often feels like a whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and red-eye flights. It's a constant juggling act, balancing the demands of my career with the desire for a life beyond the boardroom. Finding moments of peace and grounding amidst the chaos is essential, and for me, those moments often revolve around the simple act of baking. The rhythmic motions of whisking, the comforting warmth of the oven, and the intoxicating aroma that fills the kitchen are my therapy. And there's one bread in particular that always transports me back to a place of pure bliss: Kona Inn Banana Bread.

My first encounter with this bread was during a much-needed vacation in Kona, Hawaii. After a string of particularly stressful weeks, I'd booked a trip to the islands, hoping to recharge and reconnect with myself. The Kona Inn, with its old-world charm and breathtaking ocean views, was the perfect sanctuary. One morning, the scent of baking banana bread wafted through the open-air lobby, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I ordered a slice, and from the first bite, I was hooked. It wasn't just the moist, tender crumb or the delightful crunch of macadamia nuts; it was the way it made me feel – transported to a place of warmth, comfort, and pure relaxation. It was a taste of paradise.

Back in my bustling city life, I craved that feeling of tranquility. I searched high and low for a recipe that could replicate the magic of the Kona Inn banana bread, and finally, I stumbled upon one that came remarkably close. Now, whenever I feel the weight of the world bearing down on me, I retreat to my kitchen and bake. The familiar scent of ripe bananas, vanilla, and toasted nuts fills my apartment, instantly transforming it into my own personal oasis. As the bread bakes, I close my eyes and imagine myself back in Kona, feeling the warm ocean breeze on my skin and listening to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

This banana bread isn't just a dessert; it's a reminder to slow down, savor the simple moments, and find joy in the everyday. It's a taste of paradise that I can enjoy anytime, anywhere, even in the midst of the busiest of schedules. It’s a little piece of Kona that I carry with me, always.

Sometimes, I tweak the recipe, adding a touch of cinnamon or a swirl of chocolate. It's a constant evolution, a reflection of my own journey and the changing seasons of life. But the core of the recipe, the essence of Kona, always remains. And with each bite, I'm transported back to that peaceful haven, reminded of the importance of self-care and the power of simple pleasures. It's a reminder that even in the midst of the chaos, there's always time for a slice of banana bread and a moment of pure bliss.

This past weekend, I baked a loaf for a friend who was going through a tough time. As I handed her the warm bread, still wrapped in a tea towel, I saw a flicker of that same peace in her eyes that I feel when I bake. It was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest gestures can have the biggest impact. Sharing a loaf of banana bread, a taste of paradise, is my way of spreading a little bit of aloha, one slice at a time. And in a world that often feels too fast-paced and disconnected, that connection, that shared moment of comfort, is more valuable than any boardroom meeting could ever be.

Step-by-step

• Cream together butter,sugar, eggs and vanilla. Then add flour mixture. Fold in bananas. Add nuts.
• Spray pans cook @350 65-70 minutes*1/2 way through baking lightly cover with a piece of foil because the sugar may darken too much.