A couple weeks ago my husband and I were invited to my cousin’s new home on the river. Since we’re in Oregon, and it was January, of course it was dreary and raining, but we loved our time eating together in their cozy home (I like to think of it as a cabin).

When we get dinner invites, I love to bring a small gift, a little something to say thank you to the hostess.

So many call these gifts “hostess gifts.” I like to think of them as “love gifts.” Is it essential to bring something every time? Nope. But are they fun to give? Yup!

This time I wrapped the gifts in a new kitchen towel.

I stock up on good quality towels from TJ Maxx or Ross, and keep on hand for gifts. Butternut Banana Bread for Aaron, and some gluten-free chocolate treats for Peggy.

Hospitality can be so simple.

Sweet and loving.

A little gift that says, thank you.

And it’s really fun to personalize a treat for each person.

For him.

For her.

Luckily, using the leftover Butternut Banana Mash from dinner the other night, I was able to make up a new recipe. I usually make 4 loaves – a few to give away, and one for us to enjoy!

Do you ever give baked or homemade hostess gifts as thank you’s when you are invited out to dinner?

Recipe: Butternut Banana Bread {ReluctantEntertainer.com}

Summary: Tasty, moist bread using Butternut Banana Mash, but you can also substitute for straight mashed bananas.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups mashed Butternut Banana Mash (print out recipe, here)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray loaf pan(s) with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix all ingredients together and stir with a wooden spoon. Pour into the loaf pan(s).
3. Bake 35-50 minutes, depending on the size of the loaf pan(s), or until done.
4. This recipe makes 4 small loaves or 1 large loaf. Adjust cooking time depending on size of pans.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 35 minute(s)