Banana Wheat Bread (Bread Machine)

I have a habit of jotting down promising recipes whenever I'm perusing magazines in a waiting room. This one is on an envelope postmarked 1996. The whole wheat flour and banana flavors in this yeast bread really complement one another. I like to make cheese sandwiches with this, or eat with butter and jam. Try french toast with it, too. It's much lower in fat than the typical quick bread banana bread. Prep time is approximate, depending on which alternative you choose.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 40 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 1 1/2 lb. loaf

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 ounce dry yeast (one envelope)
• 1 1⁄2 cups bread flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  medium  ripe bananas
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup warm water
• 1  large egg
• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon poppy seed (optional)

Directions

1. Place ingredients into your bread machine in order specified by the manufacturer. Slice the bananas right into the pan with the liquid ingredients.
2. Set machine to white bread setting and let 'er rip.
3. Check for the consistency of the dough - you may need to add more flour or more liquid, depending on the exact size of your bananas.
4. Alternatively, set on dough setting, and after it rises, remove, punch down, put into a greased loaf pan, let rise, covered, in warm spot. Then bake at 350° for about 35 minutes, or until done.