Nutty Banana Graben

by Rod
(Texas, USA)

This new variation of banana bread has enticing aroma while baking! And it’s a good solution (finally) for what to do with old bananas other than using them in the familiar banana bread. “Graben” (grä’bən) alludes to the natural fissures created by the baking banana halves. Complement a serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for maximum graben lips.

Nutty Banana Graben

Ingredients:
4 med. unpeeled, ripe bananas, sliced lengthwise *
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3 tbsp white sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/8 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cups yogurt or buttermilk, warmed **
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup coarse oat bran
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
2 large egg whites, whipped

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side (optional)

* Use more bananas if desired, but halves should be at least an inch apart.
** Dilute non-fat plain yogurt to consistency of buttermilk.

Directions:

Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with cold butter. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine flour, coconut, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg; mix well.

Cut off the ends of 4 medium, ripe bananas (but not too ripe); without peeling bananas, cut them in half, lengthwise. Caution: Do not place hand under bananas when cutting.

Add melted butter to oat bran mixture; stir to combine. Whip egg whites until foamy, then add to oat bran mixture and stir vigorously to combine.

Pour oat bran mixture into prepared flour and stir gently until almost combined; add chopped walnuts and stir gently until combined.

Spoon batter into the buttered 3-quart baking dish and spread evenly.

Peel bananas carefully and press halves halfway into batter, aligning the halves in the same direction (the bananas create the grabens (fissures) when the loaf is baking). Use several fingers of each hand to press down to avoid breaking the banana halves.

Use a fork to spread the batter from the sides to the top, lightly covering the bananas.

Reduce oven to 375 degrees and bake until light brown on top (about 40-45 min.).

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side if desired.

For a more international flavor, add 2/3 cup chopped dates in addition to the walnuts.

This recipe makes 12 medium servings.