COMFORT FOOD: NUTTY BANANA BREAD

A family favourite, this chocolatey, nutty banana bread is as comforting as a hug from your mum. The recipe was created by a cousin for her bakery in Paris, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s super easy to whip up and although easier with a stand mixer, can be done by hand. (Bonus: you’ll feel like you did some exercise and can reward yourself with an extra piece!)

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy enough for everyone to be making right now

SERVES: 8

PREP TIME: 20 minutes

BAKE TIME: 45 minutes

150g unsalted butter, softened + more for greasing

180g (scant 1 cup) caster sugar

3 eggs

3 medium bananas, mashed

110ml buttermilk (scant ½ cup) or a mixture of milk + yoghurt

1 heaped teaspoon bicarbonate soda

½ teaspoon salt

350g (scant 2½ cups) plain flour, sifted

100g chopped walnuts

150g chocolate chunks

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius.
   
2. Butter a loaf tin and line the bottom with parchment paper.
   
3. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
   
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
   
5. Mix in the bananas and buttermilk (or milk and yoghurt mixture).
   
6. In a separate bowl, mix the bicarb, salt and flour and then fold into the wet mix. Then fold in the walnuts and chocolate chunks and mix well.
   
7. Pour into the prepared tin.
   
8. Bake for about 45 minutes. Stick a knife in the centre to check that it's ready. If it comes out clean, it is.
   
9. Remove from the oven and cool before taking it out of the tin.