A notification popped up last week informing me that the Lunchadora had reached 100 posts.  It made me proud.  It also made me wonder…the Lunchadora was born of a near-nervous breakdown in a Wegmans parking lot whilst listening to Bob Seger… Was I still that person?  Was I the same self-absorbed, neurotic, pessimist expecting the world to offer me fulfilment without giving anything in return?

I think so.

But that’s okay. I now have 100 recipes organised by category.  When I want to make gluten free chicken nuggets, the recipe is right there.

And it’s more than that.  I’m grateful for this space and for a routine to process my thoughts about food and life.  There have been weeks, due to uncharacteristic happiness or sadness, where I’ve taken a break.  But I come back to it.  I like writing this blog.  Sometimes I reread something I’ve written that makes me cringe.  Mostly it’s fine.  Sometimes I laugh.

It means more than I can express that there are people who take the time to read this blog.  I suspect they’re mostly rogue spinsters, successful Japanese businessmen living in Germany, and my family.  To them, and to you, dear reader;  Thank you. Doumo arigatou.  Ankthay ouyou eryvay uchmay.

Banana Bread

• 125g butter (room temperature)
• 120g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3-4 gross old bananas
• 225 gluten-free flour mix (I use Doves Farm)
• 1/2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
• 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 50 grams finely chopped dates
• 50 gram finely chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt

1. Preheat the oven to (fan) 160c/320f.
2. Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy with a mixer.
3. Beat eggs in one at a time until fully incorporated.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and fold together until fully incorporated.
5. Pour mixture into buttered loaf tin, and bake for 50-60 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted.
6. Leave to cool for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack.
7. It tastes so nice toasted, with lots of butter.

Nutritional Information: (8 servings)

• Calories:  373
• Carbs:  54g
• Sugar: 26 g
• Fat:  16g
• Protein:  5g