Spiced Banana Cake

Spiced Banana Cake

Spiced Banana Cake with Cinnamon and Walnut Topping

A nice change from banana bread, this spiced banana cake is light and delicious. The walnut topping and glaze add a touch of elegance.

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 -1/3 cups sugar

2 eggs

¼ cup water

2 large bananas, mashed

1- 2/3 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

¼ tsp. ground cloves

1 Tb. cinnamon sugar

½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1/2 cup confectionery sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1-2 Tb. milk (more if necessary)

Beat together first four ingredients until mixture is nicely blended. Stir in the bananas. Combine the next 6 ingredients. Stir gently into batter. Spread batter into a greased 10-inch tube pan and sprinkle top with the cinnamon sugar and walnuts. Press the walnuts lightly into the batter. Bake in a 325 degree oven for about 40 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Let cake cool for 10-15 mins. Meanwhile, combine glaze ingredients until smooth, adding more milk if necessary. Drizzle over cake. Cool completely then remove from pan. Serves 10.  ~ Adapted from recipe by Renny Darling

Gardner Area League of Artists

At Home in Wachusett Meadow by Lori MacDonald

Limited Edition Print

Gardner Area League of Artists (GALA) will hold their Spring 2013 Art Show on March 22, 23, and 24 at the Polish American Club, 171 Kendall Pond Rd. West., Gardner MA. Live music performances all weekend, fine art auctions, art raffle, silent auction, artist demonstrations, and popular choice voting. Friday 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free but there is a suggested admission donation of $3.00. Call 978-630-2340 for more details.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Shamus Pender

Time to get those Irish eyes smiling! Don't miss the chance to see Shamus Pender perform during the Merry Month of March. Here is his schedule: 

Friday, March 8, 9 p.m. to 1 a..m., Fiddler's Green Pub, The Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 Temple St., Worcester MA 508-792-3700

Saturday, March 9, 6 p.m. to midnight,  Rock Your Irish Concert, Town Hall, Church St., Clinton MA 978-270-2457 or 978-368-1099

Sunday, March 10,  2-6 p.m., McNally's Pub and Grille, 88 Sargent Rd., Westminster MA 978-874-1444

Friday, March 15, 7-11 p.m., Owen & Ollie's Pub and Restaurant, 91 Mill St., Dracut MA, 978-957-4400

Sunday, March 17,  2-7 p.m. , Waxy O'Connor's Pub, 410 Winchester St., Keene NH 603-357-9299