Maple Banana Bread

This past weekend Riley ran her very first 5k race.  It was our school's big annual fundraiser and a warm up to her upcoming Girls on the Run race that will be held at the end of November.  It was a great morning, and the community really came together to support the school and participate.  I baked four loaves of bread for the snack table...two pumpkin and two cranberry.  I also baked one of Riley's favorites, in celebration of her accomplishment:  Maple Banana Bread.

Maple Banana Bread

Ingredients:

1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter (regular or nondairy)
1 cup mashed overripe bananas (2 or 3)
1 egg
1 tablespoon real vanilla extract
1 cup flour (I use King Arthur)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of a loaf pan. Put it in the bottom of the pan and spray it with cooking spray. Pour in the batter and cover it loosely with foil.
3. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for another 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean (moist crumbs are fine). Cool completely, then slice and serve.

This bread comes out with a shiny glaze and is moist and delicious.  The perfect way to celebrate a shiny new medal!  Congrats on your very first 5k Riley! 

  Linking up today over at Townsend House!  Come share what you're eating too!