GINSENG HAZELNUT BANANA BREAD

Banana Bread with a Core of Hazelnut Ginseng Cacao Spread

By @EmilyinCatskill (Recipe Adapted from The Salty Marshmallow)

“Let me, let me, let me, upgrade you, ‘grade you” – Beyonce

I cannot Upgrade you, but I can upgrade or shall I say enhance everyone’s favorite Loaf Bread, aka Banana Bread. I was introduced to this delicious and well-balanced Hazelnut spread through a local shop on Main Street in Catskill NY called Kaaterskill Market. When I got home, I cracked open the jar to sample it to see how I could use it in an upcoming project. The spread has nice Hazelnut and cacao flavor, but what I really like is how the Ginseng which innately has bitter quality helps to balance the sweetness of the bread.

The Recipe

Prep Time: 30 Minutes (Includes Roasting Bananas)

Cook Time: 40 to 45 minutes

Serving: 1 Loaf

Ingredients

 1 Stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted melted Butter or plant-based alternative

 3 Large Ripe and Roasted Bananas

 2 Large Eggs or 2 Flax eggs (1 T ground flax mixed in 3 T water, soak for 5 min)

 ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

 2 Cups All Purpose Flour

 1 Cup Granulated Sugar

 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

 ½ Teaspoon Salt

 ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon

 3 T Primo Botanica Hazelnut Ginseng Spread

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a Loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease with unsalted butter and set aside.

2. Line a baking sheet with Parchment and place unpeeled Bananas on it. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes until the skins turn black.

3. Microwave the unsalted butter in a microwave safe bowl for a minute or until butter is melted.

4. Peel the cooled bananas, add to the bowl with melted butter and mash with a fork

5. Add vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) and egg to the bowl. Stir with the same fork until the egg is combined.

6. Add the Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, and Cinnamon to bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined.

7. Pour the batter in to the prepared loaf pan.

8. Spoon (amount is based on preference) a couple spoonfuls Primo Botanica Hazelnut Ginseng. Spread down the center of the loaf pan (see image). The idea is to create a straight line or Core of spread in the batter.

9. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes Until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Enjoy! Thank you to Emily of Catskill for sharing this gorgeous recipe with us!