One of the only disadvantages I see of not having children is when you move into a new neighborhood. We moved into our house in October 07 and we had only met one neighbor, who was looking for a play date for her child. Other than that nothing. Now why not bake something and go over and give it to the neighbors you ask? I have done that at previous places with HORRID results. HORRID I tell you.
The first time I made a Bundt cake for my downstairs neighbors. They opened the door, said nothing to me, took the cake, slammed the door. That was it, and I never got my cake plate back(a lesson learned to give things on disposable dishes) nor did I ever really see them again, except when they asked me to watch their children(but that is a story for another time) for “awhile” while they got away.
The second time I gave a little basket of mini loafs to my neighbors downstairs and across the hall. There was a lemon poppy seed, banana nut, and orange cranberry. How did that one go you ask? They smeared the banana nut bread on my door with a note saying they are allergic to nuts. I would have liked a simple no thanks. Needless to say I was a bitch to them and got even with them when they were breaking an apartment rule(normally I could care less, but they squashed bread on my door). I did however get the basket back. Plus one for me.
And the worst one of all was my third and final attempt. Late 20 something girls who seemed to be home when I was and directly across the way from me. So again I tried with the little basket of mini loaves, this time making sure that there were no nuts to be found. But what I did get was the whole basket returned to me with a note(visible to everyone) saying please don’t leave them food as they did not want to get “fat like you(me)”.
Three strikes and I was out…or done with it in this case.
Lucky for me my neighbor across the way, who I have now met decided to throw a BBQ in our cul-de-sac. It was originally last week and I was deeply saddened because we were to be in Idaho with the In laws visiting my parents. But God was looking out for me by dumping A TON of rain that day and so it was rescheduled to this last Sunday. And I could go…yay! My neighbors across the way were kind enough to organize it with another neighbor and provide the burgers and hot dogs. We were asked to bring a chair, something to drink and either a salad or dessert. Well, as you can guess, I brought dessert…and a lot of it. I couldn’t decide. I made Rice Krispy Treats because everyone loves those. I made Chocolate Fudge Cookies(I left out the nuts), Oatmeal Toffee Cookies, Orange Cranberry Cake and the TWD pick for this week, Black and White Banana Loaf. I know, enough to feed an army. Luckily much of it went in other people’s tummy.
And speaking of lucky, I sure do have some nice neighbors. It was great to finally meet some of them and now I have someone to say hello to, feeling a little less isolated. 🙂
The Black and White Banana Loaf is nice and moist as the bananas and sour cream(never mind there is not sour cream…I was making something else with sour cream at the same time) help with that. I did change a couple of things in the recipe. I used semisweet chocolate instead of bittersweet and I used banana liqueur instead of rum. I also omitted the lemon juice. Other than that I stuck to the recipe. Many a TWDer had issues with the cake not baking all the way through. I made mini loaves and did not have a problem at all. If you go with the mini loaves they took about 45 minutes to bake.
Thanks to Ashlee of A Year In The Kitchen (you can get the recipe there)for this weeks Tuesdays with Dorie pick, it was a good one.
Rosa says
That loaf looks fabulous! Wow, you had impolite neighbors! here, in Switzerland, if you would bring a cake to them, they’d be “terrified”, look at you wish fishy eyes and would not understand your gesture… People tend to mind their own businesses and stay in their corner. A pity!
Cheers,
Rosa
HoneyB says
Your loaf looks great! I probably would like the banana liquor and not so dark chocolate better…maybe I will give it one more try with your changes!
Glad you are meeting your new neighbors. I know exactly what your have gone thru – even though I am not childless – because my children are grown and we moved just last year. Not one soul welcomed us to the area. Pretty pathetic.
nickki says
Unbelievable! Some people can be so rude. That’s pure ingnorance in my book. I’m glad your new neighbours seem nice! For some reason I can’t view your pictures, but your mini loaves sound yummy 🙂
Manggy says
Beautiful marbling you’ve achieved here, Pea… It looks perfect 🙂
What in the sam hill was wrong with your neighbors? I understand the right/need to be alone but it’s simply inexcusable to go out of your way to be horrible to someone else. (Hah, is it excusable to be horrible to someone else if it’s along the way? Lol.) It frightens me that such people exist.
Ms. Boombastic says
I can’t believe anyone would return such kindness with such horrible, horrible behavior. I just bought a condo and would like to get to know my neighbors, too, but don’t know how to go about it. I say hi and smile shyly, but that’s it…no one has introduced themselves on either side. I guess baked goods is not the way to go, based on your stories. 🙁
Sihan says
great marbling skills displayed here! these look perfect!
Erin says
Sorry you’ve had so many issues with crappy neighbors 🙁 I’m glad that you finally have some good ones. Your bread looks so pretty. I love the way the marbling turned out. The mini loaves are so cute. I need to get some mini loaf pans soon!
Debbie Green says
Oh you had me laughing with your stories about your neighbors and trying to be friendly. Why are people so rude or is it just plain stupid? Anyhow, your black and white banana bread looks great. I have Dorie’s book and need to try more of her recipes.
chocolatechic says
I am so glad that it worked for you. Mine was a bust.
TadMack says
OH. MY. GOSH.
Can I come move across from you? I swear, I’ll hunt down the bread smearers and the stick-witches from across the hall.
And it’s not just ’cause I want some cake, though it does look fabulous and tasty.
Nemmie says
Good god Pea, where did you live before to have neighbors like that?? Thank goodness, I have not had the same type of reactions. Although now I’m afraid to bake for my new neighbors… 😉
Your banana bread looks great!
Mollie says
Oh my god! What jerks! Where is the humanity these days? People are SO freaking strange. I mean, I’m not always thrilled to talk to my neighbors, but to be down right flat out rude is beyond my comprehension… I’m seething for you.
But on a brighter note, I’m glad THIS neighborhood party was a success and I can’t wait to try this bread!
bridget says
Oh MY!!! Come on down to Texas! I’ve never known anyone to turn down a baked good! 🙂
alice says
That’s terrible. I’m very shocked by those stories. How can people do that. Taking without a word is very bad, but the other two are beyond belief. They aren’t just ungrateful – that’s bullying.
There are a couple of foods I really cannot eat without getting very ill, but I ALWAYS acknowledge the thought when someone cooks for me, and never take it as insulting (or a reason to insult them) if they bake me butter-broccoli cake or something (brassicas and dairy, my nemisis).
Kate says
What the heck was wrong with those neighbors? Good grief, if someone in my apartment building decided to bring me muffins, I would be showering them in thanks and praise- even if they were muffins I didn’t eat. Which is technically impossible, since I’ve never met a muffin I didn’t like, but still.
This loaf looks great and oh man, now I wish I had some muffins. But I’m at work…
Carole R. says
God, I wish you were my neighbor. If you would have been kind enough to bring me a basket I would have at least accepted it gratefully, even if I didn’t eat it. And, I may have even returned the gesture.
Carla says
Geez, whatever happened to hospitality? You made an effort, so they can return the favor, or at least be gracious. I have never experienced anything like that in my life! However, I have found up here, over here, wherever… people are not quite as open as I am used to. But never, have I been treated that way. I am glad your new neighborhood has redeemed things for you. I would be ticked too.
This bread sounds amazing, I just may make it since I have a bunch of bananas.
Amy says
I’m with Bridget-I’m in Georgia, and when you come bearing gifts of baked goods, you’re always welcome! Could explain the obesity problem in the south, but better chubby and nice than thin and mean. I’ve had strange neighbors, and reclusive neighbors, but the behavior you experienced is just bizarre!
Mary Ann says
Looks perfect! I would never smear bread on your door, so please bring me some goodies ASAP!
snookydoodle says
Ha you had quite a few bad experiences with neighbours they were really mean. wish i was your neighbour. 🙂 The banana loaf really looks delicious.
Patricia Scarpin says
Pea, your post made me smile.
I have been planing this bake-for-the-new-neighbors thing for a while. Now that I am finally moving – I know I have told you that 15 times already, sorry, I’m too excited to control myself – I can get the plan in action.
I just hope my new neighbors are nicer than the idiots you had previously and the ones I have today. 🙂
rachel says
Gosh.. those are some pesky neighbours..Sighhh I wish I had atleast one neighbour who’d send some mini loafs…
rainbowbrown says
Oh my, that is why I’ve always been afraid to give baked goods to my neighbors, I’m absolutely positive I’d get results like yours and I’d just end up feeling awkward where I live for all time…
Can you tell you’ve hit on something I’ve thought a lot about?
Anyway, it’s good to hear that your current neighbors are good folks and are willing to take desserts from you. The loaves look great.
Amanda says
Peabody, I LOVE your site- it is always the first one I check on Tuesdays. This story is hilarious. I think I would have written a note back saying you hoped you don’t become a doody head like your neighbor who left the ugly note. Some people!!! I always take samples to my 80 year old neighbor, and I wonder if she is diabetic and doesn’t want to hurt my feelings…. She always says she enjoys it. You should move to the south!!!
CB says
Damn. They smeared it on your door. RUDENESS! I would be ecstatic if you were my neighbor. Come over anytime and we’ll get fat together. w00t! Your loaf looks yummy as always. Great job!
Clara @ iheartfood4thought
April B says
Oh my gosh what horrible people! I wish you were my neighbor.
Your loaf looks brilliant, such great detail in the pictures.
biogrrll says
That’s too bad you had such a negative experience. I don’t know where you live, but you’re more than welcome to bring me a loaf of that delcious looking bread anytime! : )
Joelen says
Man, if we were neighbors, you couldn’t get me out of your kitchen when you’re baking something up… and likewise, I would expect you over for dinner all the time 🙂 Glad that you have some decent neighbors who can appreciate your delicious efforts. Screw those who dont! 🙂
Jazz says
My gosh, your neighbor stories are ridiculous!
How do you even smear a mini loaf on a door? I wasn’t even aware that was possible… Were they like militantly allergen phobic and somehow convinced themselves that you were out to poison them? Glad that you’ve finally found neighbors you can talk to – Otherwise you can just move to my neighborhood and I’ll relieve you of any pesky extra baked goods 😉
Thankfully my neighbors are nice (if a bit distant) but when I was a kid there was this one crazy family whose kids I couldn’t play with – I once tried to sell them chocolate bars for school and the father said “What’s the scam, huh?” and shut the door in my face.
The banana loaf is gooorgeous, I’ve made it before but yours looks so much better because mine collapsed upon cutting 🙁
Mary says
Your loaves look delicious. It is definitely hard to meet neighbors without kids of your own. I met my neighbors because their kids marvelled at my large and unruly garden. It’s really large and REALLY unruly.
Margaret says
Funny story! Awful experiences! Glad you didn’t give up completely. We were military and there was always a ‘Welcome Wagon” in the neighborhood. Too bad people don’t feel that way anymore.
BTW your cake looks really good.
annestrawberry says
Beautiful loaves Peabody! Seriously though… I can’t believe your neighbors. They much not know you’re a “famous” blogger! 🙂
Cassie says
Good heavens. I’m sorry that you’ve had such a run of terrible neighbors. Move in next to me =P I can’t be too far away from you, and I’ll never turn down baked goods. We’ll invite you to bbqs too =) I never really got out to meet any of our neighbors either until I brought home a puppy a couple months ago. She’s adorable enough that I’ve met quite a few of them now thanks to them coming out to pet her!
janet says
Now those are some absolutely HORRIBLE neighbors!!! Gah!
That Black and White Banana Loaf looks delish 🙂
Amy says
Holy crap! Your attempts to be so nice and thoughtful – those people are turds!! I can’t believe that!! If you showed up at my door with assorted goodies, I would definitely be appreciative! 🙂 Your loaf looks delicious!
Em says
Holy crap indeed! OMG and I feel bad when people are unappreciative and don’t say thank you but devour every morsel. Your experiences are some for the record books 🙁
Glad this time worked out for you. Your loaf looks lovely and I’m glad folks liked it.
Have a delicious day!
Sarah says
Um, who in the heck were your neighbors?? I can’t imagine people responding like that. Wow.
Good thing this time around they sound like keepers!
[eatingclub] vancouver || js says
Oh my goodness, where were these people raised? In the bushes? By wolves? On the one hand, I find it stupefying that people would behave so rudely — actually, this is beyond rude, but on the other, I’ve seen more than enough to know that this kind of behaviour is not uncommon. A simple “no, thank you” would have sufficed. Or one could just accept with a “thank you” and then, if they find it unacceptable, just throw it out without the whole smearing thing!
The banana bread looks great and I’ll have to get our resident baker on this. Thanks!
PurposelyVague says
god, who are those ppl? i have never heard such stories! glad your desserts were a hit with the new neighbors :o)
Wandering Coyote says
How unspeakably rude some of your neighbours were! I couldn’t believe what I was reading! I mean, if someone I didn’t know were to kindly bring me a basket of baking, even if I were allergic to it, I’d be so greatful and want to return the favour…Unbelievable.
Kate says
I am offended on your behalf! I always bring treats to new neighbors (on disposable plates ;-)) and have NEVER been the victim of such inappropriate rudeness. Where are the parents of these people????????
Jen Yu says
Damn, P-bdy. You have lived next to some complete assholes. I’m really sorry. If you had been my neighbor, we’d be up until 2 or 3 am baking and laughing and pissing off one of our husbands 😉 ha ha ha! All of my neighbors LOVED the sweets I’d bake for them (and the current neighbors are my Taste-Testers-For-Life). Well, you are finally living in a place where the folks around you (physically) will appreciate your phenomenal baking prowess and generous heart. F those previous jerks. Had I been there in my hot-tempered youth, I would have exacted revenge JenYu-style with a Family Size Can of Whoopass Soup! 😉 xxoo
Nancy says
I love the crown on your mini loaves – and the marbling is perfect! Simply amazing stories about your neighbors. Glad you had an appreciative audience this time around – 4th time’s a charm?
Nancy
Sally says
Well I want to say your old neighbors suck but in some cases there is a bit of oddity in taking food from total strangers. When I lived in Minnesota, three guys knocked on the door with a plate of brownies—trying to get to know their neighbors. I happily talked to them but there was no way I was eating one of those brownies. Now it may be because brownies are the classic vehicle for laxitives or pot but seriously food from total strangers can be a little scary.
Danielle says
WOW! I love your photos and the loaf looks really nice, and looks like it has a nice crumb to it.
As far as your other neighbors, they obviously don’t enjoy life to its fullest. EAT, drink, and be merry bitches!
Mara says
OMG I am stuck on the part where they smeared the banana bread on your door. Seriously..! WTF! Glad you finally found some friendly neighbors…we are really good friends with our immediate neighbors thankfully and adore them. But yeah it can be hit or miss.
Kelly says
I can’t even believe those neighbor stories…those are seriously unreal! The smearing the loaf on the door…who does that? And the girls that don’t want to get fat…the nerve…you wonder how parents forget to teach their kids manners.
Kelly says
oh gosh, sorry. I got so caught up in your uncouth neighbors that I forgot to mention how great your loaf looks.
Madam Chow says
Peabody, your neighbors are seriously bizarre. I was going to wonder if they were raised by wolves, but wolves have better manners than that – they’d eat your banana bread. Those stories are just appalling.
Rigby says
How lovely that this worked out as a treat for your BBQ. It sounds like you have had some horrid run-ins with neighbors!
food librarian says
Could you move in near me? Those stories are seriously crazy. I love how nicely ‘lifted’ your loaf is. Mine came out with major sunkenness.
Culinarywannabe says
I can not believe your neighbors (previous ones, that is) acted like that! If someone brought me mini loaves I might just have kissed them! I moved a lot as a kid and every time we got to a new neighborhood my mom would count the hours until someone brought over some kind of baked good. She never felt part of the neighborhood until she had been offered at least a brownie, if not two.
Peggy says
Weird people acting weird. Those neighbors! Your loaf looks delicious. I had trouble with my marbling.
P.
Peggy says
Looks fabulous. Wish I were your neighbor. 🙂
Irene says
Are you serious?! I can’t believe anyone would be so impolite and downright mean. I’m sorry about your experiences. I think it’s terrific you took the initative to greet your new neighbors, and to bring them welcome treats.
Fabulously Brke says
You’re kidding right?
People like that don’t really exist in life do they? Esp that ones who smeared banana bread on your door, and the others who called you fat? WTF?
Chez US says
I love your loafs, they are beautiful photos!!
Your story is too funny. I am laughing so hard, I almost peed my pants. Now, I know why I never make or attempt to make nice nice with the neighbors! Can you imagine what city/urban dwellers would do!
Chez US says
By the way, am I blind?? I do not see Sour cream in the recipe??? I usually always add it to my other recipes, this was the first time I did not. How much did you add? I want to make it again, tonight to send to me pops!
Thanks!
Denise – denise@chezus.com
katy says
what?!?!? i’m sorry, but who DOES that? smears bread on your door? that person needs to go crawl under a rock. and the other two are wretched too. what is wrong with people?
isn’t it nice to have a blog though, where you can vent about stories like that and have 50 people write you back and say “those people are JERKS”! 🙂
DaviMack says
We had a neighbor who didn’t even acknowledge our fruitcake … and, yes, it was fruitcake … but it’s fabulous fruitcake.
People suck. This is why we leave them.
Of course, they’re also stupid, which is why they reproduce.
timhenk says
Unbelievable. Mean people suck. They’ll get theirs someday. If you don’t like something, you throw it away and tell the giver it was fantastic. F them.
Jenny says
My blood pressure was rising when I read how horrible your “neighbors” treated you (not very neighborly. When we moved here (to Long Island from Queens) I made all my neighbors a baked good, then every Christmas made them a cookie/bar tray—they think I’m Mother Theresa! Who said New Yorkers are mean….we’re not…sometimes…
Nabeela says
Wow, that was a pretty horrid neighborhood you used to live in! A neighbor I took my baked goods to has become one of my closest friends now. I can’t imagine people saying things like “you’re fat” to kindness….are these humans or animals? I’ll go with the second guess.
I’m happy that you have a better neighborhood now 🙂
Tammy says
Gosh, pleased that you have at last found some nice neighbours! the loaf looks good too!
VeggieGirl says
You’re lucky to have met nice neighbors – I’m STILL looking for some, haha ;0)
Ashley says
I love the curves and dips in the top of the loaf! And I’m really shocked by how all of your previous neighbours responded to your baked goods. Makes me not want to attempt to give baked goods to neighbours now. Glad you finally found some nice neighbours though. 🙂
Holly @ PheMOMenon says
Your cake looks wonderful! As for the neighbors – wow. Just wow. I can’t believe people acted that way when you were just doing something nice. Actually, I can believe it – but the fact that I’m still surprised at the utter stupidity of some people is the same reason I like to say I’m an optimist. I know if we were neighbors I would be thrilled with crumbs from your kitchen! Glad you finally met some nice ones!
Cindy says
Damn the neighbors!
Rebecca says
Oh, God, you are not alone. I once opened the door to tied-off Subway bag full of frat puke. Classy, classy neighbors.
Clumbsy Cookie says
I have been hearing all sort of weird neighbours stories, I have a few my self, but really this is too much! I even comment about your post to my mum and she couldn’t believe how rude people are! “Sad, that’s sad people”, she saied.
Your banana bread looks great, it’s good to know you know have normal neighbours to share it with.
NikkiG says
OH MY GOSH! What AWFUL people you’ve had for neighbors! I just reread your post to my husband and he was shocked. Wow.
Hope your new relationship with your new neighbors goes so much better!
Christine says
Some neighbors can just be so awful. So glad that you are developing a wonderful relationship with your new neighbors, hope everyone appreciated all your goodies, your loaf looks great!
elly says
Wow, I cannot imagine people being so incredibly rude to such a welcoming neighbor! Oooh, I would have gotten even with each and every one of those jerks. The bread looks so moist and yummy!
Heather B says
crazy neighbors! If they only knew how delicious your baked good were! Your cakes look delicious! Great job!
Caitlin says
What the heck?!? I’d just smack those self-righteous neighbors. Who would turn down such beautiful baked goods?
Karen says
glad you finally connected with some of your neighbors. what is that old saying? you have to have a lot of banana nut bread smeared on your front door before you find the right ones?? 😛 i couldn’t imagine life without mine now, there’s a huge group of us that get together regularly and i pass all my baked stuff along to them . otherwise i’m sure i’d be as big as a house.
Claudia says
Wow. Good thing you moved out of that place. I always bake stuff with good results, except for one mini loaf that elicited no response, no thank you, no it was lousy, nothing. And this from the wealthiest folks on the block too. Everyone else here in the new neighborhood is lovely and was appreciative!
Hannah says
Oh my god, I’m sorry Peabody, but you’ve got the neighbors from hell! I would leave some rotting vegetables in their mailbox after all of their rudeness! 😉
SOoooooUP says
How nice to have a neighbour like you – I get to eat good food
Linda says
Man, you’ve had some really rude neighbors…smearing bread on your door is crossing the line! I’m glad you didn’t give up, and BTW I’d be a happy recipient of your lovely baked goods any time!
Linda
http://www.tendercrumb.blogspot.com
Pamela says
It does shock me that you have had to deal with such complete idiotic MORONS as neighbors. I can’t believe the ones who smeared the bread on your door. Or the bitchy girls…I am speechless! It seems as though the neighbor Gods are smiling on you now. We know you deserve it, that’s for sure. Nice job on the banana bread.
_ts of [eatingclub] vancouver says
What’s wrong with them?!?!! It’s actually mind-boggling. You wonder how they can even stand to exist being that way. $%!@$%!%$#@ them! Haha. ;D
Steph says
Those loaves look gorgeous!
And what the heck is WRONG with your past neighbors? How could anyone respond in such a vile manner to such a kind gesture by you?
My neighbors have always been really nice, even without lovely baked goods upon introduction (that comes later, to people that are deemed deserving!) and actually, now I’m dating one of my ex-neighbors from my old apartment complex 😉
Natalie says
I saw your sour cream comment and immediately panic set in – “I totally missed the sour cream!!! How could I do that?!?” So did you slip and tell us your super secret ingredient? 🙂
I can’t believe they smeared your loaf on the door. Glad you connected with your new neighbors!
cyn says
Omg, your neighbours are quite weird to react like this. And I’ve never heard of anyone reacting like that to cakes!
That aside, your loaves looks absolutely lovely. Nice photos! 🙂
coco says
Wow I can’t believe people can be so uncouth! I’d love to have a neighbour like you 😀
Your loaf looks fantastic! I can’t wait from my book to arrive so that I ca make some of Dorie’s recipes!
Melinda says
I suppose Sally in comment 44 has a point, but common courtesy would dictate a polite response to someone who would try to be friendly.
I always think it is bad karma to be rude or fighting with your neighbors, I am all for peace, love and happiness. But having said that, I do have a neighbors a few doors down that beggar belief. But I’m not going to rattle their cage!
I actually take my favourite chocolate chip cookies in a bag tied with a ribbon to new neighbors. I leave it on their door with a note and leave. I’ve only had good responses so far. In fact, I have people asking for more and do I sell those cookies for money?
Hey…I guess English neighbors are just so grateful for baked goods without raisins in them! (private joke!)
Don’t ever give up on people. There are diamonds out there!
Deeba says
What a pile of horror stories about nightmarish neighbours! You did well to get back in your own little way. What a nice neighbour you are…my neighbours & kids friends love me for my baking. This is a great looking loaf…YUM!!
Erin says
Those are some shocking neighborly tales. It’s hard to believe that people can be so unfeeling. I’m glad to hear that your attempts had a happy ending…or happy beginning.
Di says
Wow, I’m glad you have some nicer neighbors now! And your cake looks wonderful.
Astrid says
I can’t believe the rudeness of your past neighbors. My jaw is dropping. And I’ve lived in Paris! I have frequently been offended by neighbors giving me the cold shoulder, never imagining I should be thankful they didn’t steal my plates, deface my door or call me fat! And I thought it was ingrained in American genes to welcome your neighbor?! Glad you have some good neighbors now. Oh, and lovely cake too!
Mari says
My goodness your neighbors all sound loony toons! I’m glad you found a nice breed of neighbor, and I’m sure that they’re glad that they found you!
Miri says
I rubbed my eyes with disbelief – can’t believe how mean people can sometimes be. Luckily now you have good neighbours! The cake looks marvelous! Can I be your neighbour? Promise to be nice and love everything you bake me, and even return you the plates 😀
Jayne says
Your loaf looks great, but never mind that – I sat here reading your post with my mouth hanging open in horror – what awful neighbors you’ve had in the past!!! I can’t believe how terrible they all were to you! So glad you’ve got nicer neighbors now!!
Kristin says
Hey I just thought I’d update you on the Bonney Lake baristas…
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_080508WAB_erotic_espresso_KS.191b8e50.html
What horrible ungrateful neighbors you have had. I’m glad the BBQ turned out to be a better experience.
Rosanne says
Wow! What horrible neighbours, certainly would make you think twice about being neighbourly!
Nicisme says
Blimey, the neighbours sound absolutely vile.
I’d have you for my neighbour any day. Come and live next to me and we’ll bake delicious stuff all day… well you’ll bake it and I’ll eat it!!
brilynn says
At first I was going to say I don’t know where you find these people, but then I remembered I’m surrounded by crazies and it all made sense. I’d like to get to know some normal neighbours if those still exist…
Cakespy says
I am simply appalled at your (thankfully former) neighbors’ responses to your generosity! Seriously, that is awful!
I’m glad that you finally had a good experience. Unfortunately, I have yet to have awesome neighbors. 🙁
PS–if I were the recipient of a basket of your treats, I promise I would have written a thank you note and have been forever in your debt!
kellypea says
Awesomely moist and scrumptious looking loaf, peabody. Dang. You are so much more persistent than I am. Since my neighbors walk around with sour looks on their faces, the only thing I can think I may offer them is Malox. But I did write about this very subject myself. I’m still amazed at your former experiences with rotten neighbors. JEEZ.
valentina says
I am shocked at your horrible neighbours behaviour.how can people be so rude. let’s concentrate on great recipes: this beautiful banana loaf. i love bananas in baking goods. the fragrance is quite magic.
Maria says
Great neighbor stories! I wish I lived next door, I would love your treats!! The bread looks great!
Lynn says
Your loaves look gorgeous. So glad you finally have nice neighbors. My favorite meet the neighbor story was when we took a plate of Christmas cookies over to the new neighbors and he answered the door in the nude. Honestly.
Carol says
Well HOLY COW-you had SOME nervy neighbors along the way Peabody-but here’s the thing-it was THEIR LOSS! Because they chose to act like fools, they missed out on some AMAZING food! And this bread looks SO good! Boy it takes all kinds doesn’t it? I’m off to leave a note to you on your Snickerdoodle Muffin post….thanks for this wonderful blog. I so enjoy your stories…….
Carol
Zoë François says
I’m so glad you moved! I can’t believe your old neighbors, you are such a gem to keep trying. It sounds like you are finally home!
btw your black and white banana loaf is exactly what I’ve been saving those ripe bananas for in my fruit basket.
Jenny says
It is nice to have good neighbors. I have several, most of which have gotten something baked from me at some point.
Kelly says
Oh My. I think I would have given up on the whole human race. I can’t believe people would react like that…especially to baked goods. You can be my neighbor anytime.
cyndi says
I love Dorie, so I am sure I will love this banana loaf. I read your story in horror though because I cannot imagine that you lived next door or in the same building as people who would be so unkind and ungrateful. The only negative experience I had was my downstair’s neighbors moved in I made a cheesecake for them. They were too busy to take it in and left it on the hallway table and when I went out the next day it was still sitting there! A total waste of 8 packages of cream cheese and white chocolate but I never baked for them again!!!
Jaime says
how fun! i’m glad you finally got to meet your neighbors… we’re bad and still haven’t really met ours – just one of them and all we ever do is say hello when we pass by each other.
your marbling turned out so wonderfully! i tried to do the ‘less if more’ w/the pound cake the first time and didn’t think it looked good but i obviously over-did it this time w/this loaf. oh well, there’s always next time 🙂
Mrs. L says
I’d be more than happy to be your neighbor (and I’d let you put in nuts).
Kristen says
Are you kidding? Where in the world did you live when these people were so awful? Remind me not to move there!
Glad you have nice new neighbors now 🙂
Deia says
woooooow! I got really shocked reading that! It’s beyond my comprehension how someone can respond to a kind action with extreme rudeness!! what on earth is happening to people these days? sheesh…
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
Your new neighbors are lucky to have you! And sometimes it’s hard to break the ice, but once broken, you’ll find that you probably have very lovely neighbors.
Amy says
Geez that’s some bad luck with neighbors in the past. I can’t believe people can be that rude and downright mean! I’m so glad you found some nice neighbors. 🙂
steph (whisk/spoon) says
i was totally shocked when i read this. it would never even cross my mind to do the things these people did, much less actually do them. what the f**k? well, i am glad you have some decent neighbors now.
Tim says
I’m completely stunned at your previous neighbours. Who the hell are these psychos?
The banana loaf looks terrific, too. By the way, you’ve got a great blog here — the food is top notch and the writing is better than most blogs around, even non-food blogs 🙂
Psychgrad says
Woah…I am shocked at your neighbours’ behaviours. Whatever happened to saying thank you and keeping your mouth shut? If they really didn’t like it (or want to eat it), they should have just kept their mouths shut about it and worst comes to worst, throw it out.
The very nice marbling on your loaf.
Iron Chef Shellie says
Oh my godness! What a story of horrible neighbours! Glad you have finally found some that like to share food! that loaf looks DELICIOUS!!!
Uncle Hannah says
Wow. I’m so sorry to hear that. Scary. No good deed goes unpunished right? I wanted to cry for you about all of them–especially the fat thing. What a cruel thing to say. I’d rather weigh a ton than act like those people did to you.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Mrs Ergül says
I like how the shape turns out when the loaf is sliced!
Ignore those nasty neighbours, I’m sure there are more friendly ones out there!