Banana, Nut and Ginger Bread

Servings

30

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional)
• 3 cups plain flour
• 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups dark beer
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 cups dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger root

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl cream the brown sugar, banana, eggs, and vanilla. For moister bread, add oil, if desired.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cinnamon, all spice, cardamom, and cloves. Alternately blend the flour mixture and beer into the creamed mixture.
4. Toss the walnuts with the remaining flour. Stir in the dates and ginger to the mixture and blend well. Pour into two greased 9x5 loaf pans.
5. Bake in a 175°C oven for 1 hour, or until inserted toothpick emerges dry and clean.