Banana Maple Pecan Bread

Whole wheat flour, pecans and maple syrup give a new twist to traditional banana bread.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed banana
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole wheat, flour or oat flour
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces
• Optional; flavored butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 7 1/2 x 3 1/2 loaf pans with shortening or nonstick spray. In a medium mixer bowl, cream butter with maple syrup. Add eggs, one at a time, beat well then add bananas. Sift dry ingredients together and add to butter mixture. Stir in flour and pecans. Pour into prepared pans. Let stand 15 minutes before placing in oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a cake tester inserted near center of loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before turning out on a rack. Cool to room temperature before cutting and serving. Cut each loaf into 8-10 slices.

Number of Servings: 16-20

Notes from the Cook: Let cool completely and serve with flavored butter if desired. Flavored butters can be made by whipping 2 tablespoons of one of the following with 1/2 cup of butter in a mixer or your food processor; honey, maple syrup, praline syrup, or caramel, chocolate or butterscotch ice cream topping.