Sweet and Easy

If you read my blog, you know that I like easy income from our investments. In the same way, when I cook or bake, I don’t want complicated processes or time-consuming instructions. Today’s recipe is often requested when someone tastes this bread. It includes an ingredient, chocolate, that is related to my birthday gifts Mom gave me each year.

Wayne and my mom Shirley May Winquist
Shirley Winquist and Wayne home on leave from the US Navy 1972.
Mother’s Day 2006
Mom and Wayne, May 2009
Mom and her great smile of joy!

Today is my birthday. Seventy-five years ago my  mom, Shirley Winquist, brought me into this world. I was born at Bethany Hospital in Chicago Illinois. The time was 1:33 AM according to my birth certificate. From that day forward Mom loved me. Her love reminds me of God’s love for me. Even when I was a rascal or when I did things that hurt her (not physically, but emotionally) she loved me. Her love was not based on my behavior, but on my relationship to her: I was her firstborn son.

Mom liked to tell the story of the first time I had chocolate. It was a Hershey kiss. Mom did not give me the candy. Apparently, if my memory is correct, a neighbor lady introduced me to that marvelous treat. Mom “celebrated” that event every year and gave me a Hershey tin filled with Hershey kisses for my birthday. Mom has been gone now since February 2015.

Ingredients

3 very ripe bananas mashed (1 cup)

1/3 cup of melted butter (If dairy-free use coconut oil)

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour

Pinch salt (1/8 teaspoon)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs , beaten

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup dark chocolate chip morsels (optional but very desirable)

1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum, leave out if your flour has it

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. (I use 365 degrees F.)
  2. Spray a 4 x 8 loaf pan with cooking spray or coat with butter. I use butter.
  3. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
  4. Add the baking soda, vanilla extract and salt to the mashed bananas.
  5. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
  6. Stir in the sugar, eggs, and dark chocolate morsels.
  7. Mix in the gluten-free flour and (if needed, xanthan gum (see note above).
  8. Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
  9. Bake on the center rack for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Please watch your banana bread because all ovens are different. I take it out of our oven at 55 minutes.
  10. Cool completely before slicing.
  11. Store in an air-tight container.

The Benefits of Bananas

The banana is a source of moisture, texture, and sweetness. It also has some Health Benefits.

The high potassium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduces the risk of stroke. Bananas are rich in dietary fiber, ripe bananas promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation. The natural sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose) provide a quick energy source, making them great for athletes or as a pre-workout snack.

Vitamin B6 aids in serotonin production, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Their fiber content helps you feel full, which can aid in weight control.

The presence of vitamin C and other antioxidants helps fight free radicals, reducing inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases.

Incorporating ripe bananas into your diet can provide a range of health benefits while also being versatile in various recipes—smoothies, baking, or simply on their own.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate can be good for you as it is rich in flavanols, which may improve heart health, brain function, and even help manage diabetes. However, it’s important to consume it in moderation and choose varieties with a high cocoa content for the best benefits.

Other Recipes

I might just try these and let you know how they turn out. If you try them, please tell me about your success and any changes you made to the recipe.

King Arthur Baking

Chocolate Covered Katie