In 2004, I discovered that I could not tolerate gluten. Until then, I’d been a prolific baker, and ever since I’ve been reinventing the wheel to figure out how to get healthy, tasty baked goods. It can be a challenge.
I’d pretty much settled on a Banana Bread recipe just over a decade ago. I don’t tolerate sweets much, so it was not overly sweet. It has nuts for protein and texture, flax seed for all things omega. I thought it was pretty good. But Rick never ate it. He’d make excuses, said it should be for me, since I didn’t get many baked goodies. But I could tell; it just wasn’t a treat for him. Recently, I’ve made a few changes to the recipe–and now he’s sold. Can you guess?
Perfect Banana Nut Bread
3 medium to large bananas
1 cup chopped pecans
2 eggs
1/2 cup mixed butter and coconut oil (50/50), melted
1/3 cup sugar (or honey)
1/3 cup ground flax seed
3/4 teaspoon xantham gum
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 cup oat flour
1/2 cup gluten free baking flour
Bake at 350 for 90 minutes (until interior temperature is between 190 and 200)
This is not a fussy recipe and I tinker with it. So, what’s the magic ingredient? If you guessed chocolate chips, you’re dead on. I also subbed in oat flour, for a springier texture, but it’s the chocolate that won him over.
Soon as I saw Chocolate Chips…I knew that was the secret ingredient before I saw the ingredients!
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I guessed the chocolate chips too.
I’m not a huge fan of banana bread but this sounds really good. Mom can’t eat gluten or eggs so I might pass this on to her. Looks delicious. 🙂
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If you adjust the moisture levels (say, use honey instead of sugar and add a dash of whiskey) it works without the eggs.
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I think mom said there’s something you can do with flax that mimics the binding effects of eggs…she knows, I’m sure, how to adjust this recipe. 🙂
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Yes, flax helps. Especially if you add it early with the wet ingredients. It feels a little slimy that way, but helps hold things together. On a side note, that magic ingredient….I forgot that it has other impacts, had a slice in the evening, and didn’t sleep until 5:00 am.
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Chocolate has caffeine in it. 🙂 Speaking of which, I made chocolate pudding today. lol
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