Breakfast Banana Bread

   One slice of this and you'll be ready to go until lunch!  Enough carbs to jump start your day but enough fiber and protein to make that energy last.  This bread is loaded with good-for-you stuff in a familiar banana bread package.  The inspiration for this was Publix's Bakery Breakfast Bread.  I don't know if you've had it but it is delicious: dense, nutty, and fruity.  My suspicions are that it is just empty, carby calories though.  While it is loaded with dried fruit, that doesn't mean it is nutritious.  Also, you can make this loaf, which is bigger, for a dollar less.  I used a lot of different stuff in my bread, because we just had the stuff in the house, but feel free to use whatever stuff you like!  Even sweet roasted nuts; I used vanilla cinnamon almonds (because... that is what we had)!

   You may not know this but most dried fruits have been completely stripped of their nutrients and vitamins in the drying process.  Some retain their good-stuff better though and some companies are more conscious of their products.  Read the labels of dried fruit to find out which ones have vitamins.  Mango and apricots reserve their nutrients best.  Cherries, blueberries, cranberries and raisins vary greatly by brand.  You may also want to check out the bulk isle for specialty dried fruits like Turkish apricots which are sweet and tangy and loaded with vitamin C.

Breakfast Banana Bread 
3 bananas, over-ripe
2/3 C unsweetened applesauce
1/2 C brown sugar
2 eggs (or equivalent of egg substitute)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp salt
1/3 C dried (Turkish) apricots, chopped
1/4 C dried cranberries
1/4 C golden raisins
1/4 C almonds, chopped
1/4 C walnuts, chopped
1 C all purpose flour
1 C whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
light cooking spray

   In a bowl mash bananas but not until completely smooth.

   Add applesauce, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.  Work in eggs ones at a time.  Fold in all nuts and fruit.  Add all purpose flour and baking powder.  Mix until it is about half incorporated.  Add whole wheat flour.  Gently but thoroughly mix.
   Lightly spray a 9x5x3.  Pour in batter.  Level out.
   Bake at 350 deg F for 50-55 minutes.  Until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   Serve with a light smear of light cream cheese or light butter spread.
   12 slices (servings)

Total Ingredient Cost:  just under $3.00
Per Serving:  Calories 194, Fat 4g, Carb 36g, Fiber 4g, Protein 4.5g
Daily Values:  Vit A 2.5%, Vit C 7%, Potassium 4%, Calcium 1%, B6 5.5%, Iron 5.5%, Thiamine 6%, Niacin 7%, Riboflavin 5%, Folate 7%