Upside-Down Banana Monkey Bread

"Everyone always digs in to monkey bread, thanks to its pull-apart shape. We added bananas, pecans, and a cinnamon glaze in this scrumptious showpiece for a brunch or family gathering." I would like some, please!!
(makes 24 servings)

Monkey Bread:
2 t. active dry yeast
1 T., plus 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, divided
1 cup warm 2% milk (110-115 degrees)
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
1 large egg
2 T. Kerrygold* butter, melted
1 t. sea* salt
1 t. ground cinnamon
5&1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 t. banana extract

Glaze:
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup half and half
6 T. Kerrygold* butter, cubed

Coating:
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
6 T. Kerrygold* butter, melted
1&3/4 cups sugar
2&1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1 large banana, sliced into rings*

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 T. brown sugar in the warm milk. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, egg, butter, yeast mixture, salt, cinnamon, 1&1/2 cups flour, remaining brown sugar, and banana extract. Beat on med. speed for 2 mins. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 mins. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. In a small saucepan, combine glaze ingredients; bring just to a boil, stirring constantly. Reserve 1/4 cup for topping. Pour remaining glaze into a greased 13x9" baking pan; sprinkle with pecans. Pour the melted butter into a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide shape into 48 balls. Dip balls in melted butter, roll in sugar mixture, and place in prepared pan. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 mins. Preheat oven to 375. Bake for 25-30 mins. or until golden brown. Cool in pan 5 ins. before inverting onto a serving plate. Top with sliced bananas; drizzle with reserved glaze. and serve warm.

"People who love to eat are always the best people." ~ Julia Child

Have FUN today!! And, to those poor people in the Eastern US dealing with all that snow, stay safe and warm!!

Love,

Machete Milletti