Chocolate Banana Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9 x 5-inch (2 L) metal loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, wheat germ, flax seed, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, using electric mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light. Beat in eggs and vanilla until blended. Beat in bananas. With a wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture alternately with milk, making 3 additions of flour and 2 of milk, just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

3. Spread into prepared pan, smoothing top. Bake for 60 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack for 5 minutes. Turn out onto rack to cool completely.

Tip: For delicious and moist banana bread, use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots all over the peel.

Tip: Kids can mash the bananas with a potato masher or a large fork.

Tip: Add ½ cup (125 mL) toasted chopped walnuts with the chocolate chips.

Tip: When lining the pan with parchment, leave a 2-inch (5 cm) overhand at each end, these acts as handles to help remove the bread for the pan.