Really Delicious Banana Bread for Hectic Mornings

Now that every last grape has been picked, tanked, and put to sleep for the winter, harvest season in Northern California's wine country is officially over.  Recently I've spent a little time reflecting on what worked this year and how I can improve my routine for next year's marathon.  During this autumnal push, our schedule is at the mercy of ripening grapes, sorting tables, and all things fermenting, which means early to work and working late.  To ease Daniel into this uncivilized schedule, I took it upon myself to be the peppy and productive master of the 7am kitchen.  I love mornings and naturally am quite good at rolling out of bed and straight to the cutting board.  There is something mindless (yet wholly satisfying) about making coffee and toast in the morning.  Slowly I awaken, my body adjusts.

Often avocado toast is the favorite.  Bread, olive oil, avocado, lemon, salt.  Substantial without being weighty.  Deceitfully healthy.  Ambitious mornings call for an egg or a slice of cured salmon.  Not so ambitious mornings call for a slice of sweet quick bread, baked the night before.

Despite my talent for early morning competence behind the stove, there are definitely days when I'm overjoyed to spend another few precious moments under the covers, especially when I know Daniel won't be home until I am back in that very same bed, alone.  As life gets busier and busier - and it will - it is an absolute necessity to have a few reliable quick bread recipes that allow you to linger for just a few more minutes before greeting the day.  Where to begin?  Banana, obviously.








































I played around with a lot of recipes to find my perfect banana bread.  I want mine to be full of banananess and quite moist.  And there should be a significant degree of healthiness - if this is going to be breakfast on a regular basis then it better have some nutrients and whole grains.  None of that "but it's a muffin!" when really it's just a piece of cake without the frosting.  That means low in sugar, lots of fruit, and maybe even a little protein.  I tried recipes with honey, applesauce, and one with a splash of bourbon (for that early morning kick, no?).  All were pretty good, but one stood out and forever will be my standby banana bread recipe.  It's beyond easy (it's a make and bake while prepping for dinner kinda bread) and your lover will thank you.  For the extra moments you linger in bed, but more for that delicious slice of breakfast that you'll serve up without a fuss.

DAMN GOOD BANANA BREAD
makes 1 9inch loaf pan

2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts (optional)
1 - 2 tsp cinnamon
3 very ripe bananas, mashed well
1 just ripe banana,  coarsely chopped
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 eggs
5 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter and flour a 9 inch loaf pan.

Mix the first 6 ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  

Mix mashed bananas, chopped banana, yogurt, eggs, butter and vanilla in another large bowl.  Gently fold banana mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined and batter looks thick and chunky.  

Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake for about an hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.  Cool.  Serve at room temperature or warmed with a little more butter.