travel series with islands girl
Stephanie Olejniczak
STEPHANIE OLEJNICZAK INVITED US INTO HER SMALL HOMETOWN IN MICHIGAN SHARING FAVORITE PIECES AND PARTS OF HER HOME STATE, SUMMERS, FAVORITE RECIPES, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY TIME.
WHERE DID YOU SPEND YOUR TIME AT HOME?
I spent some time at my parents house which is what I call my happy place. It's so peaceful in the forest right on a river. My mom and I spent a day exploring the small town, Pentwater on the coast of Lake Michigan. Then I spent a week at a lake house with my entire family in a tiny little town called Grand Junction.
FAVORITE ISLANDS LOOK TO WEAR?
The Zulu and Zephyr one piece is so comfy and was nice doubling as a suit and a bodysuit. I always live in my Agolde low slung baggy denim so of course these were worn multiple times.
YOU GREW UP IN MICHIGAN. WHAT IS YOUR MUST DO LIST FOR THOSE VISITING THE STATE?
I would visit in the summer to experience the most of what Michigan has to offer. Preferably July or August. I always say that it's the hidden gem of the states, but always thought I was just biased. I heard my husband telling someone the same thing recently, so it's officially confirmed hehe. My top favorite places that I would suggest are: Traverse City: I would stay in an Airbnb in the countryside for a euro countryside feel. Endless fruit stands, beautiful wineries, rolling countryside full of old farm houses & animals, all just minutes away from pebble & white sand beaches with turquoise crystal clear waters. Marquette in the Upper Peninsula: drive north to the Upper Peninsula and after going through mostly only wilderness for hours, you'll stumble on the historical iron mining town of Marquette. A great spot to stay to explore the town, but also go to the nearby Black Rocks & Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It's breathtaking! Head back towards the lower peninsula and take a ferry to Mackinac Island. A stunning little island with pristine beaches & waters & a historical town with no motorized vehicles allowed. Only horse buggy or bicycles to get around the island. Stay at the Iconic Grand Hotel.
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WHEN SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY TO YOU?
Being truly present. Whenever I have the chance to visit my family, I make sure I keep my phone down as much as possible. I love to do activities that get my nieces and nephews involved like baking, swimming, anything. I just have to soak in every little moment. My family is my whole heart and I don't take any minute with them for granted.
YOU MADE BAKED BANANA CAKE WITH YOUR FAMILY. CAN YOU SHARE THE RECIPE?
Ingredients
Banana Cake
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter softened
1½ cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 cup sour cream full-fat is best
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed bananas about 3 bananas
Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter softened
1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese full-fat is best
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Heat oven to 350°. Prepare a 9x13 baking dish and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl with a hand mixer, or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. The mixture will look crumbled but beat it for a couple minutes and it will start to look fluffy.
Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Blend together until combined and creamy.
Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Blend on low speed just until combined.
Add mashed banana and gently stir together. Dump batter into the baking dish and spread out evenly.
Cook for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with moist crumbs or nothing at all. If a toothpick comes out with wet batter then you need to cook it slightly longer.
The edges and top will be light browned. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Make Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until combined. Add in vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Beat together, starting on low speed and increase as needed, until frosting forms.
Add more powdered sugar and/or milk until desired frosting consistency is reached. I never have to add more milk or powdered sugar than what's called for. You want the frosting really thick so it will cut nice.
* NOTE: If you use anything other than heavy whipping cream, start with 1 tablespoon and work from there. Heavy cream is so thick that you need more of it, lower fat milks you will need less of. Cut into squares and garnish each piece with banana slices and chopped walnuts.
