Lower Fat Banana Bread I

Ingredients and Weight:

• Ripe bananas: 3 (about 1½ cups mashed)
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Brown sugar: ½ cup
• Eggs: 2 large
• Butter (or non-hydrogenated vegetable oil): ½ cup
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Nuts or chocolate chips (optional): ½ cup

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-55 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, and eggs. Mix well.
3. Add the melted butter or vegetable oil, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
4. Stir in the flour gradually until a thick batter is formed. If desired, add nuts or chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information: (Based on provided ingredients and using average values)

• Calories: Approx. 300 per serving (assuming 8 servings total)
• Fat: Approx. 9g (including natural fats from bananas and added oil/butter)
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 45g
• Protein: Approx. 5g
• Fiber: Approx. 2g (depending on added ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips)

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and moist texture with a slight banana flavor throughout.
• Can be served as a breakfast item, snack, or even as a dessert.
• Lower fat content makes it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake.

User Comments:

1. "This banana bread is delicious! The flavor is just perfect, not too sweet and just the right amount of banana taste."
2. "I added some chopped walnuts to mine and it really gave it a nice crunch and flavor boost."
3. "A great way to use up extra bananas! This recipe is a keeper."
4. "The bread was very moist and stayed fresh for several days."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Melt the butter or use vegetable oil to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense bread.
• If adding nuts or chocolate chips, make sure they are chopped into small pieces to prevent uneven baking.