Chocolate Banana Brown Bread

Brown bread is an Irish favorite that can be sweet or savory. For breakfast I like to use a sweet recipe. This bread is extremely moist and doesn't even need butter to be enjoyed, though it is definitely welcomed.

I used the quick setting on the bread maker, the 58 minute cycle. Yeast breads do not rise well in such a short period of time, so I primarily use this setting for a yeast/soda bread combo. The bonus is you have hot delicious bread with very little prep time in under an hour.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet fast rising yeast
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp backing powder
• 1/2-2/3 tsp salt
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup bread flour
• 1/4 cup flax seed
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp black strap molasses
• 1-2 mashed over ripe bananas
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2-1 2/3 cups whey (use water, milk or buttermilk as substitutes)*
  

*The whey was left over from when I made cheese. Whey lasts in the fridge for several weeks and works well adding subtle flavor in bread

Tips:

• If you want a stronger flavored bread with a higher nutrient content add more black strap molasses and less brown sugar
• You can also use 3 cups of whole wheat flour but the bread will be more dense and will not rise as much as with bread flour

Bread maker directions:

• According to the bread maker, put all liquids in first
• Add dry ingredients
• Make a well for the yeast in the center
• Bake in quick bread setting

Oven directions:

• Mix ingredients by hand
• Allow mixture to rise for 20 minutes in a warm place
• Bake in oven at 375 for around 30 minutes or until done

Slice and enjoy!

Note: If you use dairy products make sure to refrigerate this bread!
Or eat it within the day.