I always feel guilty at the end of the week when I throw out food I didn’t use. While going through my refrigerator, I found blueberries and a few bananas that were almost to the point of no return. I figured I might as well combine them in an effort to prevent my wasted food guilt from happening.

I like to use my mini loaf pans whenever I can. I can then keep one or two for my family and give the rest away. I’m determined to still fit into my favorite pair of jeans on Christmas morning which means I have to give away about 80% of what I make. The blueberry banana bread came out great and is a recipe I will definitely make again.  

 Blueberry-Banana Tea Loaf – from Baking by Flavor 

Spray a 9 by 5 loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray. (I use a brush and coat the pan in Wilton’s easy cake release and it never fails me.)

2 cups unsifted bleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup fresh blueberries
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened                                                                                            

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (3 small ones)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Toss the blueberries with 1 ½ teaspoon of this mixture. Beat the butter in a freestanding mixer for 2 minutes. Add the 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and beat for 1 minute. Add the brown sugar, beat for another minute.

Incorporate the eggs, one at the time, beating for 45 seconds after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas. On low speed, add the flour-mixture in 2 additions, making sure everything is well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary. Stir in the blueberries.

Bake for one hour, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. (If you use mini loaf pans, only bake for about 25 minutes, keep watching it)  Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan on a cake rack. Remove loaves from pan and cool completely.