Peanut Butter Bread

I have been looking forward to the time when I can have a little helper in the kitchen. Some of my best memories growing up are of me in the kitchen with my mom and grandma.

I've had Asher "help" me shape challah loaves and hamantaschen cookies-- but most of what he was working on either ended up in his mouth or on the floor. Last night I was making peanut butter bread and thought I'd give it another go with him. Not only did he do great, he LOVED it! He held the measuring cups for me while I did the pouring; then he poured those into the mixing bowl. And then we both stirred the batter together.

I've been making this peanut butter bread since Asher was about a year old; it's a great one for kids because not only do they love it but it is very healthy. I slice it up and freeze it so it's there when I need it. It makes a great peanut butter and honey sandwich with sliced bananas!

1/2 c. chunky peanut butter (you can use any kind of nut butter you prefer)
1/2 c. orange or plain honey (I only use a 1/4 cup)
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/2 c. grated carrots
2 bananas, mashed
1/4 c. low-fat milk
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 3/4 c. whole wheat flour (I prefer whole wheat pastry flour)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. In a bowl, blend together the peanut butter, honey, oil, eggs, carrots and bananas. Add milk, spices, vanilla, salt, baking powder, soda and flour. Blend together well. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool bread on a wire rack.