To start off my blog series I decided to let you in on a little secret. If you love bananas you must try my world famous Banana Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping. I'm amazed that I am giving this one away. It has been requested hundreds of times from coworkers. The key to this recipe is high quality cinnamon which can be ordered on Penzey's or any gourmet store. Also, the cinnamon chips are wonderful on the top but I have also used Maple flavored as well.

Banana Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips (about 8 ounces)
1 cup cinnamon chips
2/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg
1 1/3 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 large)
3 tablespoons buttermilk


Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 8x8x2-inch metal baking pan. Stir chocolate chips, brown sugar, walnuts, ground cinnamon and chips in small bowl until well blended; set streusel aside. Sift all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, room temperature butter, and egg in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in mashed bananas and buttermilk. Add dry ingredients and blend well.
Spread half of batter (about 2 cups) in prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with half of streusel. Repeat with remaining batter and streusel. Bake coffee cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool coffee cake in pan on rack.

Enjoy!!