Chocolate Banana Bread (Low Fat)

This is my favorite banana bread recipe. If you have more bananas, then the better. I usually can only manage to save two for this quick bread. It is very moist, but if you add more banana or another tablespoon of oil, you might make it even better.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 1 large loaf

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1⁄4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1  tablespoon toasted wheat germ
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 2  tablespoons dry buttermilk
• 2  tablespoons  dark cocoa
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup applesauce
• 2  tablespoons canola oil
• 2  eggs
• 2  very ripe bananas
• 3⁄4 cup hot water
• 1⁄3 cup walnuts (coarsely chopped and toasted)
• 1  ounce  dark chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Beat eggs, sugar, oil, applesauce, vanilla, and banana in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients and then add to the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
4. Add the hot water and let sit for about 5-10 minutes.
5. Add walnuts and dark chocolate chips. I usuallly chop chocolate off of a bar, but chips work too.
6. Bake in a greased 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 loaf pan or 4 mini loaf pans for about 40 minutes.