Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Real prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes
Serves: 10
Side dish suggestions: A tall glass of milk

Supplies:

• 2 bowls
• 9x5 inch loaf pan
• Measuring cups & spoons

From the pantry:

• 1 3/4 c. flour
• 2 t. baking powder
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1 t. cinnamon
• pinch nutmeg
• 1/8 t. sea salt
• 1/2 c. maple syrup
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• 1 T. canola oil
• 1/3 c. chocolate chips

Fresh:

• 1 c. very ripe banana, mashed (about 2 bananas)
• 1/2 c. milk (use soy or almond milk for a dairy-free bread)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed banana with maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Add banana mixture to dry ingredients. Add canola oil just as the mixture starts to come together. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour into a lightly oiled 9x5 inch loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

This may be the tastiest banana bread you've ever made. You could leave out the chocolate chips, but why would you?! The bread can easily be made dairy-free by using soy or almond milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

(Adapted from The Everyday Vegan, by Dreena Burton.)