Health, Living October 5, 2012

Healthy Banana Bread

When I think of impending cold weather, I immediately want to curl into a ball, in a blanket, by a coal stove, with a mug of soup. And weep.
Okay, so that’s a little extreme. But admittedly not far from the truth.
The upside of being a human-popsicle for roughly twelve weeks is graciously brought to us in the form of comfort food: hearty, slow cooked, calorie-riddled goodness, all in preparation for parking your wintry caboose at Hibernation Station.
Still, though I am certainly not one for counting calories, I am all for healthy substitutes and ways of making favorite meals and dishes more beneficial, without sacrificing flavor. Seems like a tall order? Maybe. The trick is mostly trial and error, finding what works for you, and remembering that indulging every once in awhile is totally okay!
In the meantime, a totally killer banana bread recipe that ups the health benefits while downplaying the things you don’t want, like bleached white flour, excess sugar, and too much oil. Not sure just yet? Here’s what you’ll need:
  • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 3-4 super-duper ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs (or half-cup egg substitute)
  • 2/3 cup plain yogurt (coconut or soy-based will also work!)
  • 1/3 cup applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal (now easily found in most grocery stores!)
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, but…seriously?)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts (also optional: omega-3′s!)

This recipe is SO easy, and quite possibly the easiest I’ve encountered yet. Preheat the oven to 350. Whisk the eggs (or substitute) in a small bowl, set aside. Mash up those ripe bananas (a potato masher or a plain ol’ fork will do), set aside. In a large bowl, combine everything else (yup, ALL OF IT!), and mix thoroughly, adding in the bananas and eggs.

 

This recipe makes two loaves, SO: I usually separate the batter, as evenly as possible, and add the chocolate chips to one and walnuts to the other. But any combination works! Adding dried or fresh fruit or other nuts will also work great, or going plain-Jane can be equally delicious!

 
 

You can either grease two loaf pans OR, you can simplify your life by lining the pans with parchment paper or foil, making cleanup easy as, well, pie. Pour your batters into the pans, and bake for about 55 minutes. Once you’ve achieved that golden brown color and a toothpick comes out clean, you’re good to go!

If you can, though it’s difficult, let them cool for at least a half hour. I know, I know–the worst part. Either way, you have a new, super simple, extremely healthy version of a much-loved treat! Bon appetit!

By (soon to be Williams!)

banana bread
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