Banana Bread

When it’s cold outside, nothing is quite as comforting as the smell of warm, delicious bread wafting through the air. I’m a big proponent for fresh fruit, but lately, my boys have grown an aversion to bananas. It’s probably because I’ve gone on an overkill by giving it to them everyday for snack. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, easy to pack, and fills up empty stomachs with a truckload of energy. However, when you find mushy bananas making their way back in the lunchboxes, or spoiling in the pantry because the kids refuse to touch them, one must be crafty. Alright! I agree that Banana bread may not be the ideal substitute, but at least it allows you to use up most of those soft- about-to-go-to-waste bananas. Furthermore, the kids will not make a face eating it!

Another option: Carrot Bread

I’ve borrowed this recipe from my sister-in-law, who used it to make the most delicious Carrot Bread ever. Every time Misbah Bhabi comes over for a visit, we request her to make a dessert, and hers are quite a treat! I’ve substituted the carrots for bananas, and because Haaris has nut allergies, omitted the nuts. Instead, adding the chocolate chips increased the temptation factor, and this loaf was gone in no time flat! I used a loaf pan, but feel free to use a muffin pan, and decrease the cooking time. Additionally, baking anything at high altitudes (specifically, 6000 feet above sea level) is almost always tricky. Do adjust time and temperature dependent on your location. However, it was a success in my kitchen. The banana bread was moist, not too dense, and the chocolate balanced the bananas in just the right proportion. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!

Ingredients for Banana Bread:

2 big or 3 small bananas ( ripe)
1 ½ cups flour
½ tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp cinnamon sugar ( if using plain cinnamon then only use 1 tsp)
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup chocolate chips ( can also substitute walnuts)

Directions:

Mix the dry and wet ingredients

Bake in a loaf pan

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and prepare the loaf pan with wax paper.
2. Mash the bananas.
3. Combine the dry ingredients. (flour, sugar, baking soda, powder)
4. Combine the wet ingredients. (eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract)
5. Mix the wet and dry ingredients with the bananas.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips or nuts.
7. Pour in loaf pan and bake for 45 -55 mins till skewer/toothpick inserted inside comes out clean. Store at room temperature.