MangiaMore: greek yogurt BANANA bread

RER

I know, it’s hot. It’s been hot, like really hot, like heat wave hot. And when it’s that hot, the oven has no business being on and working. This would just make matters worse; the kitchen sans a vent for the air conditioning would go from warm to sweltering and intolerable.

RER 7.21.16

But there are some things that that inexplicable heat and discomfort are worth. Sweet, moist, delicious, satiating banana bread is one of those things.

RER 7.21.16

Like people and hairstyles, bananas seem to wilt that much more quickly in excruciating heat and unbearable humidity. So, there were a few (four to be exact) bananas losing their cool, sweating on our kitchen counter. There are really only three destinations for basically brown bananas: 1. the bin 2. the freezer or 3. baked goods.

RER 7.21.16

One of the four sad bananas was subjected to destination two and went to chill out in the freezer and wait in line for the next smoothie.  While the other three headed to option numero 3 and ended up the stars of some scrumptious Greek Yogurt Banana Bread .

RER

In an effort to lighten things up, my sister made this recipe from Crème de la Crumb a month (maybe… losing track of time is a symptom of no-work-summer-vacation syndrome) ago. And with these perfectly imperfect bananas, I decided to make the Greek yogurt banana bread again, despite my better judgment (it was hottt).

RER 7.21.16

RER 7.21.16

But it was so utterly worth it. The texture was dense and wholesome, the perfect addictive chew. The brown bananas produced a super sweetness that felt summery and cozy at the same time.  Their intensity created a caramelized flavor that was rich and deep, lightened up by the bright and tangy Greek yogurt and the imperceptible applesauce. There was no oil or other luxuries (cough, cough, bourbon or brown butter), but this banana bread did not skimp on decadence.

RER 7.21.16

RER 7.21.16

I literally wanted to eat it all, all alone, all by myself, but that seemed inappropriate. What was appropriate was plopping a dollop of plain Greek yogurt on a thick slice of this deliciousness as a very satisfying first or second breakfast, or even elevenses.

RER 7.21.16

Is it bad that I want the kitchen heat wave to continue so more bananas will go brown? More overripe bananas means more Greek yogurt banana bread :)

RER

7.29.16

RER