Musings about summer

Being a teacher is awesome, and it's partly due to this spectacular thing called "summer vacation."  I am thoroughly enjoying my summer vacation.  Here are a few things I love about it:

1.  Making pancakes on a Monday morning just because I can.  Mmm...

2.  Watching endless hours of Criminal Minds (I'm completely paranoid now and am convinced serial killers are everywhere) and Parks and Recreation (I've never laughed so hard in my life).

3.  Naps.  Lots and lots of naps.

4.  Coffee.  Lots and lots of coffee.

5.  Asking myself or other people, "What day is it?," at least three times a day.  

6.  Winning my mom's co-workers over by bringing them baked goods four times in the last two weeks.  They love me.

7.  Having bananas around my place long enough to make banana bread out of them.

8.  Fresh fruit.

9.  Combining #7 and #8 to make this delicious bread.

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal Banana Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups oatmeal

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 very ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 egg whites

1 cup raspberries, smashed

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9" x 5" loaf pan.

2.  Make oat flour by processing the oatmeal in a food processor or blender until it resembles flour.  Measure out 2 cups of the oat flour and whisk together with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3.  In a separate bowl, beat the mashed bananas, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.  Add in flour mixture and beat just until combined.

4.  Fold in the smashed raspberries and dark chocolate chips.  

5.  Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.

Source:  Ambitious Kitchen