BANANA, RAISIN, ALMOND & CHOCOLATE SLICES

We had one of those pot-luck dinners at church today and I decided to unleash my vegan baking on some unsuspecting taste buds. It sounds more devious than it actually is though. By now, most people know that I don't cook with meat, eggs or dairy so they're always curious as to what I'll come up with. I got some rave reviews, including the very hyperbolic "I could eat this all day". Given the chance, I probably could too.

But I think I'll let you be the judge.. if you ever get round to trying this recipe. 

You should. 

Really. 

It's rich, moist and super indulgent - talk about getting a sweet fix. Reminds me a lot of Mr Biggs' infamous birthday cakes.

Yet, when you really break it down, this is probably one of the healthiest snacks/desserts you could ever hope to enjoy. 

Ingredients

- 2 cups wholegrain flour

- 1/2 cup 100% cocoa powder

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 1/2 cup raw cane sugar

- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)

- 1/4 cup raisins

- 1/4 cup chopped almonds

- 1/2 cup vegan margarine (i.e. plant-based margarine)

- 1 tsp almond extract / vanilla essence

No big deal to this at all. Put all the ingredients in a large bowl and give it a good mix.

Pour into a loaf tin lined with greaseproof paper and top with a few chopped almonds to make it look all rustic and home-made.

Bake in a pre-heated oven (gas mark 6) for 20-25 min. Insert a cocktail stick to check if it's cooked all the way through. If it comes out clean then you're good to go.

Leave to cool for about an hour before cutting into thick slices.