Mindfulness in the Kitchen

We work hard in our house to reduce our waste. One way we do that is finding a use for over ripe produce before it has to head for the compost bin!

This recipe was created in our kitchen a few years ago with a slightly-too-soft apple and a super brown banana. It was a match made in kitchen heaven!

One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 mashed bananas

• 1 apple (diced, you can leave the skin on!)

• 1 c whole wheat flour

• 1/2 c oatmeal

• 6 T oil (I use vegetable oil)

• 1/2 c plant based milk (oat milk, soy milk, etc)

• 1 t baking powder

• dash of salt

I love that this recipe has no added sugar. Embracing the extra sweetness of a super ripe banana gives this Banana Bread a light sweetness so you can still taste all the flavors!

When I am in the kitchen with my kids, I try to focus on the joy of the process. Many times, the outcomes is beautifully imperfect, and still absolutely acceptable.

Time in the kitchen is a celebration of smells, a secret lesson in math and often a real test of patience!

• Preheat oven to 350º

• Grease a loaf pan (or spray with non stick spray)

• in a large mixing bowl, mash banana. Then add the rest of the ingredients, gently folding as you add.

• Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are brown.

Allow the bread to cool before cutting. It might be hard to wait, but trust me. Let it cool before you eat it or you might burn your tongue!

This simple bread is a sweet snack, a yummy dessert, or even a special treat with breakfast!

*We have made this same recipe for making muffins and just reduced the baking time.

*Sometimes if we are feeling adventurous we add a few sprinkles of cinnamon, or mix in some chopped nuts in for a little bonus!