Go Bananas with Your Passion

One of my hobbies is making banana bread.

I don't remember when I started, but it seems like forever. I found a great recipe and tweaked it over the years, substituting the sugar for maple syrup, adding a hint of chocolate, and going from a loaf to other formations.

I used to bring it into work with me and watch my co-workers devour it while it was still warm. I would share with parents on the sidelines during soccer games, and even with the opposing team's families during halftime. I brought it to my niece's basketball games and offered it to the fans in the stands. I brought as my dish to pass at various events. I sometimes made it too frequently that my family encouraged me to take a break for a while.

I thought about creating a business around it, but I was worried about the sustainability of my passion for it. Would I burn out? Would I want to keep baking? I enjoyed making banana bread and sharing it with others, but I wasn't going to wake up in the morning excited to do it every day.

I wanted to wake up in the morning, knowing I was in charge of my own destiny. I became a small business owner 6 months ago, and the journey has been very rewarding and challenging. I'm supporting other small business owners in following their passion, and in return, I'm fulfilling mine.

Susie Moon's Banana Bread recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine in a bowl:

1 stick of butter

1 cup maple syrup

2-3 ripe bananas

2 eggs

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups flour

Optional: Add chocolate chips (I prefer dark chocolate ones), peanut butter, or both!

Grease two loaf pans and pour mixture 1/2 to 2/3 of the way to the top

Bake for 45 minutes (this may depend on your oven)

Check the middle of each loaf by inserting a toothpick.

Cut with a plastic knife and enjoy while it's still warm!