Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I am slowly learning I cannot be trusted around food. Particularly anything with carbs. And especially those with sugar. When I made whole wheat baguettes, I ate an entire baguette in one sitting, two days in a row. When I made bittersweet chocolate pear cake, I ate the entire cake, by myself, in less than 36 hours. And when I made these cinnamon chocolate chip banana bread loaves, I couldn't help myself from eating an entire loaf right out of the oven. I have no idea what the word "restraint" means.
As I know myself too well, I immediately froze three loaves so they could not tempt me (or so I thought). Every time I stand next to the freezer, I remember they are in there. I can sense them. I can smell them. I can taste them. I may have given in once.
And so, I ask you dear reader, how do you exercise this foreign concept known as willpower? I need advice. I need tips. I probably need to go to the gym.
This cinnamon chocolate chip banana bread is moist, dense, and absolutely delicious. We all know chocolate and bananas go well together, but when you add the cinnamon? That just makes it even better. There is no doubt about it, this is a dessert bread. I want to see if you can exercise restraint when you eat this. Consider it a challenge.

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Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

I am a chocolate pancake person. I don't want a good old fashioned buttermilk pancake unless it is dotted with chocolate chips. Don't give me blueberry pancakes unless there are equally as many chocolate chips as blueberries. When I go out to my favorite pancake diner, I order a chocolate chip pancake made with chocolate batter. Seriously. Perhaps I should rephrase my first statement and say I am a chocolate dessert person instead (and then again, who isn't?).
These pancakes changed all of that. I was shocked to find I was able to appreciate a pancake for being a pancake (and not chocolate), which makes these miracle pancakes. The fact that this was also the first time I had real maple syrup on a pancake probably played into it a bit too. But that does not change the honest-to-goodness truth that these pancakes are incredible.
These whole wheat banana pancakes pack a wholesome punch, giving you whole grains, potassium, and a balanced breakfast all at once. They are fluffy, thick, and filling. Now go create your own miracle and treat yourself to a pancake revelation.

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Monkey Tails

When I was younger, my parents would occasionally take me to the local Dairy Queen for treats. My dad would get sundaes, my mom would get blizzards, my sister would get towering cones of chocolate ice cream, and I would get Monkey Tails. Because, to a nine year old me, frozen bananas were much more delicious than hot fudge and sprinkles (and I think they always will be).

Recently, I have been swept with a burst of childhood whimsy. You can spot me eating caramel apples, singing camp songs, and swinging at the local playground. And so, when I remembered Monkey Tails earlier today, I vowed to make them.

My sister and her lovely friend were the recipients of these Monkey Tails. Though, with their teenage minds, they took my innocent, childhood frozen bananas and turned them into more "that's what she said" jokes than I care to admit. I forgive them. Once that first bite is taken, childhood rushes back and hits you with such a force that you cannot help but be nostalgic.

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