The leaves are whizzing and the air is brisk, which can only mean one thing — fall is upon us. Yet pumpkin-infused fare has already flooded our plates. Enter the modest banana bread. When your taste buds are riddled with boredom and your bananas are on the brink of decay, turn to this fragrant delicacy.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 55 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or butter
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• ¼ cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1¾ cups whole wheat flour
• Optional: chocolate chips, walnuts, raisins, etc.

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a standard loaf pan.
2. Whisk oil and maple syrup in a large bowl. Slowly add bananas and milk.
3. Add baking soda, vanilla, salt and cinnamon to mixture.
4. Fold whole wheat flour into mixture. If desired, dress it up with mix-ins. 
5. Pour batter into pan and bake for 55 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cool for 20 minutes prior to consumption.