Food Outside The Box

Hi Everyone!

A little bit of spice makes this not too sweet Banana Bread extra special and the spice flavors are very subtle. The Chia Seeds and Walnuts add some protein and healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Any time you can add a #SuperFood, it’s great to do!

• 4 oz (115g or 1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter, softened (save the wrapping paper to grease the loaf pan)
• 2 Eggs, beaten in a glass or mug (I used Extra Large but Large is OK too)
• 2 Ripe Bananas, mashed by hand in the peel before you open it, or coarsely with a fork
• 1/2 Cup (90 g) Coconut Sugar (less 1 Tablespoon if you like baked goods a bit less sweet and/or if your bananas are really ripe)
• 2/3 Cup (150 g) Whole Wheat Flour (All-Purpose Flour is OK too)
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Pinch Salt
• 1 tsp Allspice, ground
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, ground (Saigon Cinnamon is my favorite!)
• 1/4 tsp Ginger, ground
• 2 Tbsn Chia Seeds (White, preferrably)
• Optional – 1/2 c (90 g) Walnuts, chopped (Walnuts are the only nuts that contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids which are essential for our Brain to function – did you ever notice they even look like our Brain!?)

Note: you could double the amount of spices if you want more spice than banana to come through but the amounts above are more to add some subtle enhancement to the banana flavor.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F (170 C)

1. In a medium bowl, blend butter and sugar (you can use a spatula or wooden spoon if your butter is very soft, or use a hand mixer)
2. Stir in eggs and bananas.
3. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl and stir into the wet ingredients.
4. Pour into a greased loaf pan and give it a good tap on the counter to level out the batter and eliminate potential air bubbles.
5. Bake 40-50 min. Note, after 20 min. turn the pan 180 degrees. Test doneness with a toothpick. If toothpick comes out dry, it is ready. Cool 15-20 minutes before slicing (it will be hard to wait!)

I hope you enjoy it!