The Ardent Epicure

This is a great recipe for a simple and easy bar that has bananas and chocolate chips.  It is super moist and soft, and is a great recipe to make for (and with) kids!

Ingredients

1 cup of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (sifted)
1/2 cup of wheat germ
2/3 cup of granulated sugar
2/3 cup of brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt (if desired)
1 egg (at room temperature)
3/4 cup of unsalted, softened butter
1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract
6 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips (you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, to suit your taste)
3 very ripe bananas (or 2 to 2 1/2 larger bananas)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix the butter and sugars in a mixing bowl until it becomes fluffy.
Next, add the other wet ingredients, and blend.
Add the bananas and mix in, mashing them with a fork (you can also do this separately before adding the bananas if you prefer).
Add the flours, baking powder, and salt a bit at a time, stirring in gradually.
Stir in the chocolate ships, then spread the batter onto a 9" x 13" baking dish.
Bake for approximately thirty minutes, or just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool, cut into squares, serve and enjoy!

Note: if you cannot find wheat germ, you may add another 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.  The wheat germ adds a bit of texture and bite, and can be purchased at health food stores or specialty markets that carry whole grains.