Recipe: Banana Bread

Photo: banana-bread.biz

 (Excerpted from Stevia: naturally sweet recipes for desserts, drinks and more!, Book Publishing Company )

1 loaf - 12 servings

2 very ripe, medium to large bananas

1/4 tsp powdered stevia extract

1/2 tsp stevia concentrate

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup oil

1 large egg

1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt or buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)Preheat the over to 350 degrees F. Oil a medium-sized loaf pan (7 1/2 "x 3 1/2 " x 2 1/2").
Mash the bananas in a small bowl. Mix the stevia extract, stevia concentrate, and lemon juice into the mashed bananas. Set aside.
Sift the flour, leavenings, and salt together in a bowl.
Beat the oil and egg together in a mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in the yogurt or buttermilk and the vanilla. Stir the mashed bananas into the liquid mixture.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring as little as possible. Mix in the walnuts just before the flour is completely blended.
Place into the loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour until a toothpick or fork stuck in the middle comes out clean. Turn out the loaf and cool on a rack.
Note: For maximum flavor, use very ripe bananas (brown spotted).

Enjoy your healthy banana bread!

How to Substitute Stevia for Sugar in Baking

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  Source: Picasa   Author: nntungsv

  Stevia has been said to have many health benefits, such as: weight control (it controls cravings), can be used during pregnancy, it is known to be beneficial to the pancreas, does not contribute to tooth decay, can reduce high blood pressure, assists digestion, and so on.

  Unlike most artificial sweeteners, Stevia does not break down and can withstand high temperatures while cooking and cold temperatures when frozen. It is also compatible with salt and organic acids and natural sweeteners such as barley malt, honey, fructose and sorbitol.
• Stevia can be used safely and effectively as a substitute for sugar in all recipes where sugar and low calorie sweeteners would be normally used.