Black Sesame and Banana Tea Bread

A Classic with a Twist

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my great experiences at bakeries in Portland, Maine.

Two things that I sampled at Tandem Bakery Company have lingered in my brain and palate. So, I tried my hand at recreating them and I’m happy to report that they were successful attempts.

The first one that I’ll share with you is a black sesame and banana tea bread. Black sesame seeds are rich in vital nutrients- iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. They impart a nice nuttiness and a crunch to the banana bread. If you’re game to try something new- give this a whirl! I think you’ll be pleased.

BLACK SESAME AND BANANA TEA BREAD

Heat oven to 350 degrees; Lightly spray loaf pan (8 ½  x 4 ½ )

DRY INGREDIENTS:

1 cup all purpose flour (5 oz)

½ cup whole wheat flour (2 ¾ oz)

¾ cup sugar (5 ¾ oz)

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp baking soda

½ cup black sesame seeds (2 ¾ oz), lightly toasted

WET INGREDIENTS:

2 large or 3 medium VERY ripe bananas, mashed

1 large egg

½ cup (4 fluid oz) canola oil

3 TBS buttermilk

1 tsp grated lemon zest

METHOD:

In a large bowl, whisk dry ingredients together.

In a medium bowl, whisk wet ingredients.

Lightly fold wet ingredients into dry

Pour into prepared pan – only 2/3 full.

Bake 55 – 70 minutes until a tester comes clean. The time is a function of how much banana you use.

If browning too much, lightly cover with tin foil.

Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, unmold the bread and cool completely before slicing.

And, enjoy!!