During my recovery, I struggled to find ways to regain strength in my hands and my fingers. I began making dough regularly to warm up my hands, and eventually decided to turn this therapy into a bread baking hobby. Now I share my breads with friends, family and people at the Senior Center in my community. This month I even hosted classes teaching people how to make whole grain breads from scratch. I’ve discovered that when you get creative with your own rehab, and implement tasks that are both healing and help you socialize with others, it can be very rewarding. Here’s my favorite recipe for whole wheat banana bread using honey instead of sugar, I recommend using local honey from your neck of the woods for optimal flavor…enjoy!
Ingredients
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large bowl, beat oil and honey together. Add eggs, and mix well. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt. Add baking soda to hot water, stir to mix, and then add to batter. Blend in chopped nuts. Spread batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 1/2 hour before slicing.