SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Who doesn’t love banana bread? It is dense, tasty and packed with all kinds of goodness that will help you power through the day.

You can use this batter to make muffins or slice as bread — and it’s my favorite served with freshly ground peanut butter.

WHEAT BRAN BANANA BREAD

Makes two 9-inch loafs

Ingredients:

2 cups wheat flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup wheat bran

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs, beaten

2 cups very ripe mashed bananas

1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl combine flour, oats, bran, sugar, baking soda, salt and stir. In a separate bowl add vegetable oil, yogurt, vanilla, eggs, and mashed bananas; stir until evenly combined.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients until evenly mixed. Stir in nuts. Pour your batter into two lightly oiled 9-inch loaf pans, bake for 20-30 minutes. Once the bread is ready, let it cool before you serve.

Chef Arica Davis is owner/operator of Yummy Fixins, Personal Chef Services and Pasta Parties. Visit http://www.yummyfixins.com or call 530-539-4504 to book your next dinner party.