Bake & Take: Blueberry Banana Bread

I doubled this recipe so I could Bake and Take -- and I could make my husband happy by leaving some at home, too.

March is Kansas Wheat's promotion, Bake and Take Month. Bake and Take Day began in 1970 as a community service project of the Kansas Wheathearts in Sumner County. The Kansas Wheathearts, an auxiliary organization of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, set out to share baked goods with family members, friends, neighbors, and those in need.

The idea became so successful that the Kansas Wheathearts created a national Bake and Take Day celebration in 1973. Even though the Kansas Wheathearts disbanded in 2001, the tradition continues to be supported by the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.

Now, instead of just one day, the Bake and Take movement gets its own month. I took some of this bread to Jill's and Eric's when we were there for Kinley's baptism a couple weeks ago.

If you want to formally participate in Bake and Take Month, you have a chance to win a prize bundle with recipe books and more from Kansas Wheat and the American Home Baking Association. Check out the book bundle prize pack by visiting www.kansaswheat.org and get a brochure and entry form.

Whether you "bake it and take it" or just eat it at home, I think you'll like this Blueberry Banana Bread. Enjoy!

Blueberry Banana Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen: Don't thaw before using)

In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Beat in mashed bananas. Gradually add the dry ingredients, beating just until combined. Fold in blueberries.

Pour into three greased 5 3/4- by 3- by 2-inch loaf pans or 2 9- by 5-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes for the smaller pans and 40 to 45 minutes for the larger pans or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Recipe from Heat Oven to 350 blog.

If I make this again, I might add some cinnamon. But we liked it "as is," too!

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Need more ideas for baking and taking? Try these Cappuccino Cookies.

The Kansas Wheat website has lots of recipes to explore, everything from their annual recipe booklet, a popular giveaway at the Kansas State Fair, to bread machine recipes. Check it out!