Banana Raisin Bread

Finally! I found a way to feed my son bananas! *I am jumping for joy!*

Those who may personally know me and my son W, may have heard about the story of how my son acts before the very sight of fruits. Let’s just say, in a psych-manner that he is Fruit-phobic --- Banana-phobic to be exact.

Until now, I cannot understand how one person can’t stand the smell and taste of fruits --- even the most popular ones like banana, mango and apples --- and that at the very sight of it he’ll start feeling sick and vomits. My son won’t even touch the fruits. *sobs*

I know for sure that I loaded myself with fruits and vegetables while I was pregnant with W. I'd buy fresh fruits from the Sunday market in Long Beach and pre-cut assorted fruits from Albertsons and Costco way back when I was in the US. Like they say, babies eat what their mothers eat while they’re still in the womb --- so I feel W should enjoy fruits just the way he did back when he’s still in my tummy. But sadly, it’s still a NO.

Believe me, I tried everything in my powers to make him eat fruits. M and I have guiltily resorted to bribing him with toys and books just so he’ll touch that banana. I brought home apples coated with candies and chocolate, the banoffee pie from Banapple, and tried luring him to try the chocolate fondue using marshmallows and fruits --- all unsuccessful. I used fruits in the pastries I make but he’s developed a keen sense of detection against the mighty fruits. =(

Other than the banana cues (fried saba bananas), he eats not a bit of any other fruit. So when I asked him to taste the Banana Raisin Bread I made --- to which he said was good --- I can hardly contain my tears! ***I had to control myself or he’ll wonder if I placed SOMETHING on that bread***

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Banana Raisin Bread

Ingredients:
3 or 4 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter 
1 cup sugar 
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
a pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of raisins (adjust according to your preference; I used the Sun Maid brand)  

***You can make your life easier by using store-bought Banana Bread mixes like the one from Maya and follow package instructions.


How I did it:
Preheat the oven to 350degF. 
In a bowl, mash the bananas and and the butter.
Add in the sugar, egg and vanilla.
Sprinkle the salt and baking soda over the mixture.
Add the flour and mix until incorporated. (I think it is important not to over-mix to keep the bread airy - so that there'll be air pockets in your fluffy bread).
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and bake for about 45minutes to an hour or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool before taking out of the pan and slicing.
Best when served with tea or coffee. =)

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I am so making some more of this bread. Even if it takes a while to do it, I know it's gonna be worth it!

Someday, when my son gets to read this blog I hope he'll understand that all I really wanted is for him to eat his fruits and get the nutrients they give. =)

***I really enjoyed eating the banana bread with him that afternoon. I paired mine with Twinings tea while W ate the bread with Ovaltine. I think I would have enjoyed it paired with my favorite Earl Grey but then the Lemon Twist was a welcome change. Still have the fruit selection box to consume. =)

Love you W! This post is for you =)

Xoxo,