DAY 7: TASTY THURSDAY

Hi Friends,

I find cooking and filling my home with happy aromas is very therapeutic, especially now when I’m in quarantine. I was asked for my yummy banana bread recipe. I have several tried and tested banana bread recipes, depending on who I am baking for. I’ve done the gluten free bread, sugar free bread, regular bread with a full cup of white sugar, but since sugar is a dirty word these days, I am sharing a very delicious recipe today that does not use any white sugar, and as Martha would say — it’s a good thing!

YUMMY AND HEALTHY BANANA BREAD

3 ripe medium bananas mashed (the riper the better)

1/3 cup melted coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

2 eggs

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. baking soda (not baking powder!)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Method:

In a large bowl beat the oil and honey together with a whisk, add eggs and beat well. Add in milk and mashed bananas. Add the baking soda, salt, vanilla, cinnamon and whisk to blend. With a larger spoon, stir in the flour, just until it is all combined. At this point, I add in the chopped walnuts. I personally prefer them to chocolate chips, which I find too sweet. I also like the crunch of the nuts!

Sometimes I like to use an extra banana and slice it on the top of the banana bread mix. When the banana bread is baked it looks very professional! Another time I might just add a few chopped walnuts and place them on top of the mix before putting it into the oven. Again, it looks delicious and delivers extra crunch!

Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees celsius). Bake for 55 – 60 minutes until tooth pick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for at least 30 minutes on a wire tray. Enjoy!