chocolate-swirled banana bread

save your ripe bananas for this healthy marbled bread - its just over 200 calories per slice and made with half whole-wheat flour and half plain. a small amount of melted chocolate swirls in assures chocolate in every bite.

Total time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Prep: 15 mins
Inactive: 1 hr 15 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Makes: 1 loaf, 12 servings
Level: Easy.

Ingredients:
non stick cooking spray
3/4 cup plain flour
60g bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 medium very ripe bananas
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
pinch of salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:
1. preheat the oven to 180 degrees c. lightly mist a loaf ban with non stick cooking spray and dust well with flour to cover the pan completely. tapping out the excess.
2. put the chocolate in a medium microwavable bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth. set aside to cool slightly while preparing the batter.
3. combine the bananas and sugar in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or for until smooth with just a few small pieces of banana left. add the oil and eggs and stir until combines. using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, mix in both flours, the baking powder, bicarb of soda and salt.
4. stir in the buttermilk and vanilla, stir 1 cup batter into the melted chocolate, fill the load pan with half the banana batter then half the chocolate batter. repeat the layers and gently swirl together using a spoon or knife. bake until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the

centre comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
5. cool in the pan 15 minutes and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: flouring the pan helps the bread rise well and prevents any collapse after it comes out of the oven.