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Europe Scorched by Record Heatwave: France and Italy Take Emergency Measures

As a blistering heatwave tightens its grip on Europe, countries are scrambling to protect citizens from soaring temperatures and mounting health risks. France has shuttered over 1,350 schools  and closed the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as temperatures surged past 40°C (104°F)  in several regions. Sixteen French departments are now under the highest heat alert, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours. Meanwhile, Italy has imposed restrictions on outdoor work , particularly in agriculture and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are under red alerts, with hospitals reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses. The Mediterranean Sea has also hit record highs, with waters in Spain’s Balearic Sea reaching 30°C , up to 6 degrees above average. Scientists warn that Europe—already warming at twice the global average —is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. New ...

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Banana Bread with Coconut and Pecans

 

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup very ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 bananas)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix the melted butter and sugar until just combined. Beat in the eggs, bananas, and vanilla.
  4. Add the flour mixture to the bowl and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not over-mix.
  5. Gently stir in the coconut and pecans.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out relatively clean.
  7. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about ten minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your banana bread warm out of the oven or toasted for breakfast the next day!






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