Tasty Banana Carrot Cinnamon Bread...

My family loves banana bread! I've been through many different recipes over the years in search of the perfect one until I came across this keeper which I can hands-down no-contest call Best-Ever Banana Bread. But once in a while, I want to change things up, and what better complement than to add a dose of antioxidant beta-carotene and Vitamin A-rich carrots! I was in charge again of supplying snacks during half-time at my twins' week night house soccer game. Parents have been toting packaged bear paws week after week to offer the young players, but I knew when it was my turn I would happily make something homemade. And I just happened to have five overly ripe bananas sitting on my counter that signalled "it's banana bread-making time"-- three to make the original and two to make the carrot-induced version with a sweet boost of cinnamon. My husband nudged me saying that the kids may turn their nose up because it was "too healthy", but can I say, the double amount that I packed for the team, not one to tote back-- they were greedily :) devoured! A parent came up to praise me for bringing the homemade goodness, and this week being in charge, she toted cookies baked from home, and cool watermelon slices! That's so awesome! Parents, let's ditch the plastic and boxes, and bring on the packed tupperware!!

Banana Carrot Cinnamon Bread

Makes 1 loaf serving about 16 

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 to 1 tsp. ground cinnamon (if you like cinnamon, use 1 tsp.)
2 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 to 3 medium)
1/3 cup canola oil
1 medium carrot (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, bananas and oil. In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; stir into wet ingredients just until moistened. Fold in carrots and nuts if using. Transfer to a greased 9" x 5" loaf pan.

Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the centre comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

I like to use my toaster oven to save on energy. Just the perfect size to bake this loaf!

Cousins: Best-Ever Banana Bread alongside Banana Carrot Cinnamon Bread

Both versions, sliced and ready to go! Extras leftover for a sustainable quick breakfast the next few days!

My kids' green team wins the friendly game 5 to 2. Did my tasty banana bread have to do with it-- I'd like to think so! :)

The week before I toted Crispy Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies for snack-time which was met with enthusiasm. Spent the afternoon baking with my kids before the game and they were happy they played a part with the delicious results!

Enjoy Green Timbits team!