Feb02 I Could Use Some Light in My Life 2013

I’ve been stealing recipes from Pioneer Woman like crazy…we’re practically neighbors here in Oklahoma so I don’t feel that bad.

What I do feel bad about is all the cream and butter that worm their wily ways into all of her recipes. It is not good for me.

I found this light bread recipe and jumped on it. The house smells heavenly while it’s baking and the bread is deelicious! This would also make a great, quick, breakfast for Sunday mornings…and goodness don’t we all need those.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)

1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt (I used unsweetened applesauce)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Handful of chocolate chips, optional
Cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°.Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium sized bowl.

Place sugar and butter in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, yogurt, and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist. Spoon batter into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. {I sprinkled mine with chocolate chips, but if you’re more disciplined, you won’t.}

Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. I usually have to put some tin foil on for the last 10 minutes because it’s browning too quickly and the middle isn’t cooked. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.