We’ve all seen enough rom-coms and read enough novels to know that looks aren’t everything…often more trouble than they’re worth. So why are we chucking our fruits the minute they show a little age? The bananas I used in this recipe were completely brown, but that only meant they were extra sweet and easily mashed.

This banana bread has a perfectly moist center, cased in a crunchy sweet crust. For a unique flavor twist, I chose to compliment the strong banana flavor with chunks of Lindt’s dark chocolate with red pepper flakes; an unexpected palate delight!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 2-3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 beat egg
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 pieces Lindt dark chocolate with red pepper flakes (or normal dark chocolate)
• 1/3 cup melted butter

How To:

1. Preheat the oven to 350
2. Mash bananas in a bowl.
3. Add melted butter to bananas and mix.
4. Add egg, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and baking soda. Mix well.
5. Add the sugar and flour. Once it is thoroughly mixed, fold in dark chocolate chunks.
6. In a well greased loaf pan, pour in the batter.
7. Cook for 1 hour, or until an inserted knife comes away clean.
8. Allow to cool completely on rack.