Moss Park Cookbook Launch

On November 16, I gathered at the Toronto Public Library’s Parliament Street Branch to celebrate the Moss Park Community Cookbook launch. The event brought together residents, community leaders and food lovers to honour the incredible stories and recipes that make Moss Park such a vibrant place. Below, please find my recipe for banana bread with ginger and blueberries!

I was incredibly proud to feature my banana bread with ginger and blueberries recipe in the book. This recipe is inspired by my mother, who baked regularly on the island of Guadeloupe, filling our home with warmth and joy. Her banana bread always brought comfort, and I could taste her loving nature with each bite. My sister Gillian added her own touch to the recipe, using fresh fruits from her garden. Watching and learning from them, I inherited their love for baking and now share this recipe with family, friends and neighbours. My banana bread is more than a dish—it is a story of love, family, and the joy of sharing.

Banana Bread with Ginger and Blueberries

Ingredients:

2–3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/3 cup dried unsweetened coconut

Instructions:

Mash bananas and combine them with melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract and eggs. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and ground ginger.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in blueberries and coconut.
Pour the batter into a greased pan.
Bake at 350°F for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

This event was more than a cookbook launch—it celebrated community, connection and culture. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this meaningful project. Copies of the Moss Park Community Cookbook are still available, and I encourage you to try the recipes and continue celebrating the flavours of our remarkable community. Please contact Leah Woldegiorgis from Neighbourhood Information to purchase a copy of the book at [email protected].

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