Vegan Banana Nut Bread

Even though Florida is the only state without snow this week, it’s still been cold enough to drive us indoors, and for me, that means only one thing… BAKED GOODS.
Here’s a recipe for Banana Nut Bread (and/or Muffins!) that promises to keep you warm!
Ingredients 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour 2/3 cup quick cooking oats 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup coconut oil (or earth balance, or canola oil) 2/3 cup sugar (because of the sweetness of applesauce and banana, this can be reduced down to 1/2 a cup, depending on how sweet you like things!) 1 tbsp molasses (optional) 2 tbsp powdered flax seeds mixed well with 6 tbsp water (this is optional, but it helps to give the bread/muffins a more cakey texture. If you leave it out, your bread will be slightly more dense) 1/4 cup applesauce 2-3 very ripe bananas, mashed 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and oil a 8 1/2-inch square pan, or a muffin tin for 12 large muffins 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flour, oats, salt, baking soda, baking powder) and stir until they are well mixed. 3. In a smaller bowl, melt your oil (if necessary), and mix in sugar, molasses, applesauce, bananas, and flax. 4. Fold sugar/oil mixture into the dry ingredients bowl, adding nuts one handful at a time. (Leave out one last handful to sprinkle over the top before you bake it!) 5. When your batter is well mixed, it should have the consistency of a thick pudding. Pour it into your pan/muffin-tins, and place in the oven! For muffins, bake 20-30 minutes, for bread, bake 45-55 minutes (until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.)
Now, call up your friends, get on your Netflix Instant Account, and enjoy!
-Sarah Pennello