Bitter Chocolate, Lavender, and Banana Tea Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground lavender
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed banana
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, lavender, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the banana until blended. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just blended. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
5. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Banana is an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber.
• Lavender has a calming effect on the body and is known for its soothing properties.
• Chocolate chips add a rich, decadent flavor to the tea loaf.