Ripe bananas, nature's star sweetener, are the basis for a moist, tasty bread.

From Cooking Smart for a Healthy Heart

Over the past few years, quick breads have morphed into sticky-sweet loaf cakes. Gobs of butter, tons of sugar, chocolate chips, icing -- what happened to the homey, simple quick breads of old? Well, they're back. This one, just sweet enough, is made with whole grains, fruit, and nuts that add up to a nutritious breakfast or snacking bread. Prep time 10 min. Cook time 1 hr. 12 slices

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/4 cups mashed banana (from 3 bananas, about 1 pound)

• 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 2 large egg whites

• 2 1/2 tablespoons walnut oil or extra-light olive oil

What to Do

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Spray an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Toast oats and walnuts in oven on jelly-roll pan until oats are golden brown and walnuts are crisp, about 7 minutes. Set aside.

3. Stir together all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt on a sheet of wax paper until well combined.

4. Combine mashed bananas, brown sugar, buttermilk, egg whites, and oil in large bowl. Stir to mix well. Fold in flour mixture, oats, and nuts.

5. Spoon batter into loaf pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out of pan onto wire rack to cool completely.

Health Hint

Bananas are an important source of potassium, which helps maintain blood pressure levels and heart function. Bananas average 467 mg of potassium--no wonder they help prevent high blood pressure and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. The fiber in this fruit also helps prevent heart disease.

Round Out the Meal

For breakfast or a snack serve with a smear of Neufchatel cream cheese, a topping of apple or prune butter, and a mug of tea.

Secret to Success

The modest amount of chopped walnuts in this bread is complemented with toasted rolled oats, which contribute their own nutlike flavor and coarse texture.

Per slice

194 calories / 23% from fat 0.5 g saturated fat, 5 g total fat 0 mg cholesterol 288 mg sodium 34 g total carbohydrate 2 g dietary fiber 4 g protein