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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

Chocolate Banana Bread



More chocolate (can you tell I love it?) This one comes from AllRecipes.com. This is a good way to wreck your diet!

Chocolate Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 6 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar and eggs. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Sift in flour, baking soda and cocoa; mix well. Blend in sour cream and chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pans.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a loaf comes out clean.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Good looking goodies, Phillip, this and the yule log. We love anything chocolate! all I have to do is look at it and I gain. ;) I shall have to try at least one of them.

    I wanted to be sure to wish you and your family a joyous and blessed Christmas, and say thank you for sharing in this past year.

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  2. OH MAN!!!
    I'm going to have to try this one!

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  3. Phillip...you must stop posting all this food! I have gained 5# just from reading your recipes! LOL Have a great Christmas!

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  4. Oooh, I love banana bread! And with chocolate, yummy goodness.

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  5. What a beautiful photograph!!!!!!!!!!!

    I'm going to the kitchen now to make your chocolate mint cookies for Todd's b'day!!!

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  6. that last post was from me (rebecca).

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  7. I made this and it is AWESOME! Thanks Mr. Therapy!

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  8. Diet, what is that about.......looks yummy!!

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