Tofanana Bread

by Francine

photo via officialhealth.com

'Yes, we have no tofannas,' (lyrics from a ridiculously old, classic, amusing and charmingly ridiculous song by Frank Silver and Irving Cohn) but we sure got bananas and we sure got tofu. When I spotted this recipe, I got interested. I love banana bread and the texture of tofu seems like an obvious blend in this concoction--although I had never thought of it on my own.

We all know bananas are loaded with potassium (although not as loaded as an equal portion of potatoes--remember?). Nevertheless, bananas are indeed loaded with the good stuff. And there's more good nutrition news as well. Think vitamin C (one banana provides you with 15% of your daily requirement), B6 (what the body uses to grow new cells)--just one banana gives you 35% of your daily requirement. Also think manganese, necessary for bone health, along with fiber, some iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus (more on this below)as well as vitamins A and E, folate (also known as folic acid or B12, plays an important part in the production of red blood cells), carotene (antioxidant) and choline (integral to brain and liver health and also in the reduction of inflammation). Now here's a total surprise--bananas even contain amino acids (used in every cell of our bodies to build the proteins we need to survive), albeit trace amounts. And also keep in mind that bananas are incredibly easy to digest (ripe ones, that is). That's why they are one of the very first solid foods we give to our babies.

Now, getting back to phosphorus--this is a biggie, and if you don't eat meat or dairy, primary sources of phosphorus, you'll be especially interested in bananas. Check this out from Medline Plus:

"The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in the body's utilization of carbohydrates and fats and in the synthesis of protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. It is also crucial for the production of ATP, a molecule the body uses to story energy.

"Phosphorus works with the B vitamins. It also assists in the contraction of muscles, in the functioning of kidneys, in maintaining the regularity of the heartbeat, and in nerve conduction."

OK, now that I've got your attention, let's move on to the recipe.

Preheat your over to 350 degrees.

Blend in a blender until smooth and creamy:
3/4 cup tofu

Pour into a mixing bowl and beat in:
1 cup sugar (or 1/2-3/4 cup agave)
1/4 cup oil (canola,recommended)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup ripe bananas, mashed

Mix together in another bowl:
2 cups unbleached white flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Beat everything together, then fold in:
3/4 cup walnut pieces

Pour into an oiled loaf pan. Bake for about an hour, and voila!

Enjoy!

Resources:
livestrong.com
3fatchicks.com

newsmax.com

Medline Plus
Tofu Cookery, by Louise Hagler