The Knead For Speed: Part 1

I'll start by saying that I'm somewhat intimidated by baking. While I am quite interested in it and admire those who do it well, it seems a bit delicate and intricate so I typically steer clear of the territory. At the same time, we are very often asked how the oven performs with baked goods. So, emboldened by the confidence in my oven's ability and inspired by a recent TurboChef-oriented post from The Knead For Bread, I stepped up to the challenge this weekend to illustrate just what the TurboChef can do when it comes to baking.

To begin my adventure in baking, I started with something familiar and comfortable. The Knead For Bread is a treasure trove of great baking recipes. What's more, for those who need a helping hand like myself, they offer a step-by-step "class" complete with visual representations of each part of the process. TKFB provides a nice twist to traditional banana bread with their Chocolate Banana Crunch Bread recipe. The recipe's ingredients are easy to procure and preparation is relatively simple (just be sure to have several mixing bowls ready for duty). Once everything is combined, baking is a snap. Using the oven's recipe settings, I selected Bake > Bread > Quick Breads > Regular Size. While there are also size variations for 3x6 mini loaves in the oven's menu selections, this recipe called for a standard 5x9 loaf pan. With this setting, TurboChef cuts the cooking time in half – to 30 minutes – while the original recipe calls for an hour. Crossing my fingers that I had combined everything correctly, I placed the batter in the oven, closed the door and pressed Start.

30 minutes later I was thrilled with the outcome. My creation came out with a golden brown and chocolaty marbled exterior. The inside was moist and filled with melted chocolate chip morsels and crunchy toffee chips. The resulting swirl of chocolate, banana and toffee is nicely balanced, sweet and delicious. With an ice-cold glass of milk, it's perfect.

Already, I see much more baking in my future. I've got me eye on another TKFB recipe to try out – far afield from this one. I'll share the results in a few days. In the meantime, let me know if you've got a favorite you'd like to see cooked in the oven by posting it in the comments section below.