Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting & a Giveaway

Festive plate, don't you think? I was actually busily snapping away when my mom came up to me, very excitedly may I add, going on about plates. Huh? I had no idea what she was talking about. She went to cupboard and pulled out these rooster plates. Apparently, she bought them just for me for the sole reason of taking blog pictures. Hahaha-- My mom's the best! And apparently a rooster lover? Who knew?

Thank you so much for your kind comments and support about my previous post! It's overwhelming--- in a "I can't believe it, I love you guys!" kind of way. Not only that, but we've also just hit 1,000 fans on the Lovin' From the Oven Facebook page! wahooo!

One of my wonderful followers, Ashley, suggested on the FB page that we celebrate by giving everyone free baked goods by yours truly. As much as I would LOVE to do that if I could, there's just no way I could do that physically or financially.

Then I got to thinking... well, although I can't bake for everyone, why not three lucky winners, instead? Perfect!

So here it is, another giveaway to celebrate all the goodness that's been going on. Just leave a comment on this post with your favorite baby name (boy or girl) and an email for me to reach you by 11:59 PM Pacific Time, Friday, October 15th, 2010. This giveaway is only for US residents since mailing cookies overseas isn't the greatest idea. The winners will be picked via random.org.

You might be wondering why a baby name? Well, my DB's sister just had her first boy earlier this week (after having two girls), so I'm in a baby mood! They're just the sweetest little things.

These bars are unbelievably moist and a hit at work. To me, they were a bit on the sweet side so I'd adjust the sugar next time I make them. The bars would have tasted fine without the frosting, but cream cheese frosting is my weakness. These bars are adapted from Betty Crocker.

• 4 mashed very ripe bananas
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 and lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan.
2. Mash the bananas and then mix in the sugar, oil, and eggs.
3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour into the pan and bake, uncovered, about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. While the bars are cooling, make the frosting.

• 5 oz cream cheese, at room temp
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla
• 2 3/4 cups powdered sugar

1. Cream the cream cheese and butter together.
2. Mix in the vanilla and powdered sugar (slowly).
3. Spread on cooled bars.