Banana Bread

6 very ripe small to medium bananas (the more dark spots, the better)

¾ cup sugar, pick your favorite

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

⅓ cup halved maraschino cherries

½ cup mini chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a large glass loaf pan with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, mash the bananas with the sugar, vanilla, flours, baking powder and baking soda until well combined. Stir in the maraschino cherries and chocolate chips.

Spoon batter into prepared pan and bake 1¼ hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Alternatively, divide batter into lined muffin cups and bake 20-30 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.

Serves 10.

Nutrition values per slice: 247 calories, 2.4 g fat (1 g saturated) 56 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein, 177 mg sodium, 334 mg potassium.

"Coffee Grounds, Banana Peels and Diapers: How to Entertain Friends and Family in the 21st Century Without Allowing Life to Get in the Way" by Sarah Krieger (Telemachus Press, 2014)