BETTER-FOR-YOU BANANA BREAD

As you can imagine, when Beau and I became Mr. + Mrs. last month we received all sorts of advice. From tips shared by fellow newlyweds to words of wisdom bestowed upon us by aunts and uncles, we soaked it all in, feeling loved.

But one piece of advice stood out to me more than any other - a small remark made by my good friend, Beth.

"Now you can make your own traditions together" Beth explained as we ate lunch one day, "just the two of you." 

Turns out - Beth was right. And this comforting banana bread is proof. I can't say how it began, but is has become our favorite tradition to make a loaf every Saturday morning. 

Besides filling the farmhouse with the most comforting of aromas, this bread has become a go-to tradition because it is a healthier cousin to typical banana bread. Replacing butter with olive oil and yogurt, and requiring minimal sugar, the recipe captures the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the warmth of pure vanilla for an irresistible result. In addition, I use half whole wheat flour to add a little more nutrition to the mix. You won't even notice the difference, I promise!

The best part about our banana bread tradition is we usually have leftovers to wrap up and bring to work on Mondays. Beau likes to warm his slice on the dashboard of his truck so that it is warm and gooey for an afternoon snack. :)

Aren't traditions delicious? 

With love from the farmhouse - Grace

BETTER-FOR-YOU BANANA BREAD

Adapted from 101 Cookbooks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp Penzey's Cake Spice (Don't have any? Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves to your liking)
• 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1.5 cups)
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or whatever you have in your pantry!)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 9X5 loaf pan, or line with parchment paper. 
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flours, brown sugar, baking soda, salt and desired spices. Mix in chocolate chips.
4. In a stand mixer or separate bowl, mix olive oil, eggs, mashed bananas, yogurt and vanilla.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry and fold together with a spatula until just combined. Don't over-stir.
6. Transfer to prepared pan and bake 45 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.