Banana

Banana Oat Bars

Banana+Oat+Bars.jpg

Makes 18 bars.

A morning or afternoon nutritious pick up, this recipe is no fuss and refrigerator friendly. Store in a tight-fitting container with wax paper between the layers.    

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 large ripe bananas

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 7 ounces whole rolled oats, 2 ½ cups

  • ½ cup walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped

PREPARATION:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F.

  2. Line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper extending the paper over the rim to make it easier to lift.

  3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork into a rough paste. Add the maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, oats, and walnuts. Use a wooden spoon to combine well.

  4. Spread in the pan, smooth the top and press down tightly with your hands.

  5. Bake for 20 minutes, the top will be firm to the touch.  Lift the paper and use a serrated knife to slice into 1 x 3-inch bars while still warm.

  6. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.   

 

 

Banana Bread

Banana+Bread.jpg

Makes 12 servings.

This banana bread is a lovely breakfast, brunch or snack. It freezes very well to have on hand. Leftovers can be toasted.  

INGREDIENTS:

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, at room temperature

  • 3 large very ripe bananas, very finely mashed with a fork

  • ½ cup light brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

  • 1 ½ cups unbleached, all -purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, cut into small pieces

  • ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

PREPARATION:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F.

  2. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with some of the butter and line with parchment paper, extending the sides to make it easier to lift the cake after baking (greasing the pan first helps the parchment paper adhere better).

  3. Beat the butter, at medium speed, for about 4 minutes, adding the sugar gradually. Add the eggs and continue beating until well combined.

  4. With a large rubber spatula, fold the flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon into the sugar mixture until well combined.

  5. Add the bananas, chocolate and walnuts. Combine well.

  6. Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes. A cake tester inserted in the center should be dry and the edges a bit golden.

  7. Cool on a wire rack.