Too Good to Be True!

One of our favorite things to eat for breakfast here is banana bread.  But, it too used to be one of those things that was more of a dessert really; not a wholesome, get-you-through-the-morning sort of meal.  I came across an eggless recipe that inspired me to create my own and healthy banana bread.  The original recipe was a cross of two or three different recipes and has since, been perfected as far as I can take it I think.

This recipe is enough for two loaves.  Each loaf feeds my family one breakfast!  My kids have been known to eat a whole loaf and even some of the other.  I have to actually limit them on some meals.

• 4 C of flour. This has been the area I have played with the most. For this last batch, I did 1/2 coconut flour, 1 and 1/2 C oat flour, 1 C whole wheat flour and 1 C bread flour. It is nice and heavy but not a brick.
• 2-3 Tbsp molasses depending on how rich you like things.
• 1 stick of melted butter
• 5 very ripe bananas (so ripe you have to put them in the fridge/freezer so they don't rot is best)
• 1 C applesauce (I use the all natural, no sugar added)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp baking soda and baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 heaping tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 (ish) tsp of allspice (a dash of clove is nice too)
• Nuts/Seeds of your choice or a combination of different ones. This time, I had pepitas and walnuts so they both got used. I'd suggest rinsing off any salt that might be on them.
• Water. Because of the coconut flour, the batter may become too pasty. You will need to add either more applesauce or water to bring it to the right consistency. It is a thick batter; not one that pours, but you don't want it a solid.
• Extras: golden raisins are really good in this but so are apple chunks or other dried fruit of your choosing. You can also substitute the banana with mashed sweet potato and either way, shredded zucchini is a really easy veggie to sneak in here that tastes great.
• Sometimes, I add chocolate chips and a few Tsp. of cocoa powder and omit the spices unless you like spices with chocolate. I personally don't.

Heat oven to 325*. Lightly grease and flour loaf pans (sometimes I do a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a yummy exterior). Cream together bananas/sweet potatoes, butter and other ingredients (except flours and nuts/seeds). Once everything is well combined add flour and mix until just combined and then fold in nuts/seeds. Distribute evenly between pans and smooth out and bake for an hour. Test with pick. If not clean when removed, leave in for another 10 minutes or so. Watch it carefully because you don't want it to be too dry. Take out and cool. Slice and enjoy!