Banana Bread Redux
Happy 2011! Though I typically settle into a bit of a depression over holidays passing by (especially saying buh-bye to Christmas tunes!), this year I'm trying to get excited for other things in my life instead. Like shedding a few pounds after tossing the leftover cookies, getting back to a workout routine, and planning to see friends who we haven't seen since before Thanksgiving due to time inexplicably flying by.
On New Year's Eve, I spent the day at my parents house, breaking in my new camera by taking lots of photos of this little cutie.
Shaun and I opted to stay in with a Boardwalk Empire marathon. What can I say, we are obsessed! Is anyone else watching? The night was capped off with a little hors d'oeuvres spread in front of our Christmas tree.
On New Year's Day, we hopped the Path into the city for a little lunch and Rockefellar Center with Shaun's parents, aunt, uncle and cousin. No matter how many times I see the tree, it never gets old.
Meanwhile, in my time off from work last week, I worked on some new recipes. Last year, I tested out The Joy of Cooking Banana Bread Cockaigne and it quickly became one of my favorite quick bread recipes. But when I realized that I had a bowl full of these...
I thought I'd change it up and try out a healthier option. You know, part of that whole post-holiday cut the fat thing. Oh and please don't judge me for allowing a bunch of bananas to rot on my countertop. Thanks.
But look what came of those ugly things! I was so happy with how this bread turned out. Let's face it, by substituting applesauce for oil and honey for sugar, it's not necessarily a sure thing. But this bread was a moist, filling one that I'd surely make again!
Whole Wheat, Almost Sugar-Free Banana Bread
*Makes 1 loaf
1/3 C unsweetened applesauce
1/4 C honey
2 tbsp Splenda brown sugar blend
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3 bananas, very ripe and mashed
1 3/4 C whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 C hot water
1/2 C chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large bowl, beat the applesauce, honey and Splenda brown sugar blend.
Meanwhile, mash up the bananas.
Add the eggs to the applesauce mixture and mix well. Beat in the vanilla and mashed bananas. Stir in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Add the baking soda to hot water. Mix to let dissolve and then add to the bread batter. Lightly stir in the walnuts. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
Bake for 50-55 minutes.
Slice up and enjoy!
So there you have it. A simple way to change up your standard banana bread into a delish, healthy, guilt-free option! So what do you think?
And for the question of the day: How are you beating the post-holiday New Year blues? Or are you simply psyched to kick off 2011?
17 Comments | January 2, 2011 | Share Article | Email Article | tagged Banana bread, Healthy Eating, Recipes, recipe redux | in Recipes Print Article | Permalink
Reader Comments (17)
I was psyched yesterday but today I think I have the blues - the Monday-coming-back-to-work-after-a-long-holiday blues! I think once I get into the swing of things - the old routine will come back! :)
I LOVE Boardwalk Empire...I can't wait until the new season starts!
Luckily I am not suffering from post-holiday blues, I am excited to start a new year fresh :)
i am trying not to be depressed that the holidays are over! getting up for work today was not easy, though!
I too am trying to stay amped in the new year! although i planned to start fresh today, i was running around like a crazy person this morning to get to work! Either way the diet is on track and back to the gym tonight!!
The New Year is starting off as the old one. Procrastination. Although I did start my year with changing old photo books and doing a little closet cleaning. A bit depressing to see the Giants not get into the playoffs, but they had their chances. Nice to have the Jets in there. I do think this year I might have to go with the Patriots though. Sorry Shaun.
I tired the banana bread and loved it. I am wondering if I can adapt it to almond flour and soy flour.
I will try.
I always get sad at the ending of a year but excited about the possibilities for the year to come! This banana bread looks wonderful!! Yummy!
Mom - if you root for the Patriots, we cant talk through February!!!
Yum! I love banana bread! and as for my post-holiday blues...how about getting in my car to go to work today and it was completely dead! I about cried. No wait..I did cry. No more holidays, no more Christmas cookies, no more vacation days, stuck going back to work and then, my car won't work! ahhh! I'm going to post a blog post about it later today or tomorrow because it's that ridiculous of a story haha
Emily that sounds terrible! At least it can only get better from here :)
Mom, Shaun will probably drop out of the family vaca if you start rooting for the Pats
that looks so gorgeous! thank you for sharing this and happy new year:)
This.looks.perfect. I absolutely LOVE banana bread but havent been able to let the bananas get ripe enough to actually use them! I'll probably have to buy a seperate batch or something..otherwise I'd eat them too quickly.
I just blogged a very similar banana muffin recipe yesterday but they have way too much sugar. Can't wait to try this! and I definitely don't think less of you for let those bananas get so brown. Bananas that brown are a good sign in my house. It means banana muffins or bread are coming soon! :)
Thanks everyone! Let me know if you give it a try!!
I can't judge for the bananas. At least a couple of ours end up the same way every week.
hmmm... I also have blackened bananas sitting in my fruit bowl (i won't judge, if you won't). I see healthy(ish) banana bread or muffins in my future. Looks tasty!
Question!! I have very ripe bananas and basically all these ingredients on hand, just gotta pick up applesauce. How do you think this will taste sans walnuts? I am not positive I have a loaf pan, but if I do, I am going to try this tomorrow morning!
The walnuts add a little crunch, which I love, but I don't foresee it changing the flavor too much! You should be good to go without them. Let me know how it turns out!