My all-time favorite vegan cookbook has this neat little section called quick breads. These are the ones that don't include yeast--which still scares the bejesus outta me. So, with my $50 prize I bought some baking essentials and went to work.
Tofu Banana Bread
3/4 cup medium tofu (about 6 ounces)
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (I used two medium bananas)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. First combine the wets. Add one mashed banana, sugar, olive oil and vanilla in the blender. Then, after it's combined, add the other banana.
Wets.
Then combine the drys. Otherwise known as the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Dries.
Then add the flour mixture to the tofu mixture. Fold in the walnuts. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
Tofu Banana Bread. Pre Heat.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, until it looks delicious.
Tofu Banana Bread. Post Heat.
I don't know what's up with the gigantic split down the top, but I really don't care. I a) didn't burn it and b) managed to create something with a definite crust and bread-like interior.
Look at that goodness.
One of the many slices I've been noming on all week.
I can't tell you how excited I am that I actually baked something. I think what pushed me over the edge is the tofu aspect. You all know I frequently squawk about how I never get enough protein, and with nearly a half a block of 'fu this bread definitely has it. It is a bit sweeter than something I'd usually go for (probably due to the entire cup of sugar in this bad boy) but it's supposed to be sweet, right?
In other news, I've been busy eating this kind of thing.
'Fu and Cabbage.
And that kind of thing.
Squash and Basil.
I've also been running. Yes, in the snow. In addition to never really baking, I've also never ran outside when there was snow on the ground. Until Monday. When I cranked out 3.59 miles in 36:17. That would be a 10:06/mile. I was super excited, as that's been my fastest run in a long time. It helps when I don't have Sheldon to weigh me down. Sorry, pup.
Questions
- Do you bake? Yeast breads, non-yeast breads, what?
- Do you run in the snow? How cold is too cold for your outdoor runs?
- What should I bake next?
I love baking cornbreads. My friend from Texas brought me a mix when she visited this weekend, so that's up next for me!
ReplyDeleteI've never made a yeast bread but I like making banana bread, pumpkin bread, etc. or muffins! Good job with your first!
ReplyDeleteAHHHHH! YOU'RE A BAKER! So exciting!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm equally in need of this protein-infused goodness. I've never tried baking with tofu before but you've left me inspired...
One of my favorite vegan baking recipes is for Spiced Sweet Potato Blondies from "Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar". I made them once on my own blog and I can send you the link/recipe if you'd like to try 'em!
I LOVE running in the cold... as long as I am bundled up... and living in Oregon I have plenty of running tights, fleece and raingear! :D I've never run in snow, though. That might be my limit. I do wear my old gold shoes in the ice, though, and when I had a house on a SUPER BIG hill, we'd get a ton of snow up there and I'd SKI DOWN THE HILL !! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on baking - that bread looks great! I bake All The Time... but I am going to have to try tofu.. that's a great addition!
Baking is so much fun, I love baking breads! You did a great job on your first try(: It looks really good. I'll have to try it soon, I love using tofu in things.
ReplyDeleteHooray for your baking success! I'm more of a baker than a cook-er. Loove banana and pumpkin breads!! And carrot cake :)
ReplyDeleteThat is some great looking bread :) I have never run in the snow--but I like running when it is cold, so it sounds awesome!
ReplyDeletehaha I love to bake...but only do so when there is a crowd to gobble it up!! haha otherwise it will be all me
ReplyDeleteI've never baked with tofu! I'll have to try it!
ReplyDeleteYay congrats on your first baking success! I've never thought to bake with tofu before - that's such a tasty way to get in your protein!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite things to bake are muffins and desserty breads. I'm too scared to attempt a yeast bread. :P
I expect to see many more vegan baked goods now! You mastered lentils and bread baking. Maybe black bean brownies next??
ReplyDeleteWow--I can't believe you've never baked anything! For this being your first time, I'd say you did excellent!! The crack down the top is normal with breads too btw :-) I am big into baking. I have a cupcake catering business, so new cupcakes are flying outta my kitchen weekly!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled here and got hungry upon seeing those delicious foods..
ReplyDeleteInteresting, I like the idea of adding tofu to the bread! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteI make bread often-ish but it's always in my bread machine. But things like banana breads I make by hand but only because they don't require rising time!
Yay! Congratulations! That banana bread looks delicious! You know, I love tofu and eat it all the time, but I've never actually baked with it. I think I'm too nervous. After seeing the bread that you made though, I don't know why I've never tried. This is definitely going on my "to bake" list.
ReplyDeleteOh, and whenever I bake quick breads I get that huge crack in the middle, so I'd say it's normal.
I can't believe you have snow already! I do run in the snow and actually enjoy it (as long as it's not super freezing). It reminds me of being a kid and going out to play in the snow :)
The banana bread sounds and looks so good.
ReplyDeleteomg that banana bread is to die for! never would have thought it had tofu in it!!
ReplyDeleteThat banana bread looks fantastic! As a die hard banana bread lover I'm probablly going to have to give this one a try! Good work!
ReplyDeletetofu banana bread?!!! awesome, girl!
ReplyDeleteHeidi xo