Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

Determined to mimic her mother's classic banana bread, this reader ditched the calorie-laden Crisco for raw honey, applesauce and healthy oils. Better yet, mama approves!

Photo: Jodi Pudge

By JoAnne Usdavin

Serves: 12

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• Pinch of sea salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup safflower oil
• 1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate
• Olive oil cooking spray, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, flaxseed and salt.
2. In a large bowl, with a hand mixer, beat bananas until smooth. Add egg whites and beat until combined. Gradually mix in applesauce, honey and safflower oil.
3. Mix dry ingredients into banana mixture; stir in chocolate.
4. Mist a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until browned on top.

Nutrients per slice: Calories: 182, Total Fat: 6 g, Sat. Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 32 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugars: 16 g, Protein: 3 g, Sodium: 74 mg, Cholesterol: 0 m
g