Opinionated Woman

A mouth-watering recipe to help you get through the COVID-19 crisis: Healthier Banana Bread

I came across this recipe a couple of months ago. A whole other world ago. Innocent days and nights before the idea of venturing out to the grocery store made my heart pound and blood pressure skyrocket.

Before I was a scaredy cat of anyone coming within six feet of me (Let’s be honest, it’s really 20 feet). Before anyone ever heard the phrase “social distancing.”

Before the silent, invisible, highly contagious BOOGIEMAN otherwise known as the corona virus or COVID 19 began snatching people up, making them as sick as a dog or even killing them.

We all have different ways of dealing with the stress: overeating, drinking, smoking, etc. But here’s a positive way to help you take a break from dark, depressing thoughts. I’m talking about Healthier Banana Bread.

When you’re anxious and looking for a little comfort food, this is the recipe you want. Plus, it’s made with common ingredients, ones you probably have on your shelf, which now, more than ever, is a very good thing.

Yeah, I know banana bread is nothing new. Very old school. But this recipe is unique in that it really lives up to its name. It really is healthier!

It’s made with whole wheat flour, and there’s just a quarter cup of sugar in the entire loaf, which any baker knows is zilch, zip, practically none at all. The secret is using naturally sweet, ripe or even better, over-ripe bananas.

There are no eggs in this recipe–although you wouldn’t know it by tasting it. It’s moist and rich. And it’s chock full of healthy walnuts, too. Plus, right now, if you’re out of eggs, no worry.

Delicious is a word that’s tossed around a lot, but this banana bread really is.

While the banana flavor comes through loud and clear, a pinch of cinnamon helps kick it up a notch from your average banana bread. My trusty reviewers (i.e. family and friends) tell me it’s better than other banana breads.

Warning: don’t tell anyone the banana bread is healthier. True story: when I presented two desserts for my Christmas Eve dinner (back in the day when people gathered around the table together for celebrations. Insert tearful emoji here.), I told everyone the banana bread was a healthy option. My guests avoided it like the plague, or should I say COVID-19.

Did I mention Healthier Banana Bread is easy-breezy to make? Or that it freezes well?

The process of making the banana bread will make you feel better and eating it more so. If only this sweet bread was the vaccine to stop this horrible, horrible virus.

Healthier Banana Bread

3 ripe bananas, mashed (you can freeze your over-ripe bananas and defrost them for this recipe)

1/2 cup milk (regular or unsweetened soy milk can be used instead)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (I used avocado oil)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2/3 cup of walnuts (or other nuts)

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In medium-sized bowl, mix bananas, milk, oil, vanilla and sugar together for two minutes using an electric mixer.
3. In separate bowl, stir flour together with the baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Stir into wet ingredients along with nuts until well combined. Do not over mix.
4, Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray, pour batter in and bake for about 65 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Remove from pan. Cool before slicing.

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