So I am not much of a cook, but I do like to bake (mostly I like the eating part). I had nine frozen bananas, baking staples, and a newly designed Pyrex® measuring cup to try out. So I figured I’d pair this product review with a great recipe. Pyrex® sent me a new spin on their glass measuring cups, with a more funnel shaped design, a non-skid rubber base, and the ability to read the measuring lines from above and inside the cup. Here’s there description:

“Providing convenience beyond measure, the new Pyrex® Read from Above™ Glass Measuring Cups offer several smart features, including:

* Read-from-above measure marks – no more bending over or lifting up required to check your measurements
* Silicone-covered bases for better grip on work surfaces (on selected designs)
* Nested designs for easy storage
* Non-porous glass that won’t absorb stains or odors
* Microwave safe for everyday convenience

* Multi-position, BPA-free lids so you can mix, stir, pour, strain and sprinkle with one tool (COMING SOON!)”

Here’s a view of the easier to read measuring graphics from above

Got my ingredients ready to go

The spoons on the left bottom corner are from Pyrex too – my dad thought they were “cool,” because they are magnetic so they all stay together in the drawer.

I didn’t end up with as much batter as I thought – I should have just put it all in one pan.

mmmm….the bread turned out moist and dense.

Here’s the recipe:

The original recipe is here, I made a few alterations based on the ingredients I had on hand

Disclosure: I received these Pyrex® products as a sample.

Hurry though things are selling out really fast! If you’re not already a member get your free and fast membership by clicking on my invite link – http://www.gilt.com/invite/ashley770

Here’s just a small fraction of what’s on sale –

Here’s the invite link – http://www.gilt.com/invite/ashley770

As my regular readers probably know, I’m a big fan of Swedish interiors. That’s why I was super excited by the opportunity to review the new book, “Classic Swedish Interiors,” by Lars Sjoberg. The poetic photos are by Ingalill Snitt.

I’m going to quote Amazon as they describe the book better than me –

“Lars Sjöberg has made it his life’s work to understand and preserve the Swedish manor houses of the 17th and 18th centuries. Here, exquisitely photographed by Ingalill Snitt, are the eight houses (and one church) that he has acquired over more than 40 years. The book focuses on Sjöberg’s first, most complex project: the manor of Regnaholm. Unoccupied for about 40 years when Sjöberg arrived in 1966, it allowed him to experiment with interior decoration and refurnishing, copying old furniture, reweaving, and reprinting old fabric patterns.

His other projects include Ekensberg, a three-story Italianate villa near Lake Mälaren, built in 1788-90, and Salaholm in Västergötland with a garden laid out in the first half of the 17th century. Odenslunda, a small manor from the 1770s with a panelled exterior and a säteritak or manor-house roof, is his family home, while Sörby, a scaled-down early 17th-century manor house, was reproduced in its entirety for an exhibition in Stockholm. Full of insight and inspiration, this is a deeply personal summary of everything Lars Sjöberg has learned in his years of working and living with classic Swedish interiors.” – via Amazon.com

Here are some of my favorite photos from the book –

One day I will have an antique Swedish grandfather clock!