Friday Feast | Celebrating the Month of Love with Chocolate Banana Bread

Welcome to the month of February and Friday Feast in the Tavern! It's all about my love of chocolate. I'll take this decadent treat in any form. And yes, I do treat myself (don't you?) every day with a small piece of dark chocolate. It's good for your body, mind, and soul. Aye, indeed!

Banana bread is a classic in this household. A few weeks ago, I didn't have any overripe bananas, but my knight (aka the hubby) reminded me of the ones I stashed in the freezer. In under an hour, I had enough wonderful smashed bananas for a loaf. Now if the thought of adding chocolate with the banana is not your thing, feel free to omit and add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. I've lost count of the many variations of banana breads I've baked.

Until next Friday, be safe, and spread the love of chocolate!

Sláinte mhath!

CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup butter

¾ cup brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

2 1/4 cups mashed overripe bananas (about 4)

¾ cup dark chocolate chips (Or 4 oz. dark chocolate, chopped)

1/3 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.

4. In mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar.

5. Add eggs and mashed bananas until well blended.

6. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; do not overmix.

7. Add in your chocolate chips (and walnuts, if using) to batter and gently stir to mix.

8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake 60-65 min. Let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.