Herbal Recipes
Cardamom-Rose Banana Bread
Heart Centered Baked Goods
Tis' the season for love and self-love and this rosey rendition of the classic banana bread recipe results in a luxuriously tasty loaf that is also upligfting for the spirit. Subtly complemented by the grounding carminative properties of cardamom, and the heart-warming properties of rose, and you have yourself a even cheerier version of this already cheery treat.
The Medicine of Rose
Well-known for it's affinity for the heart, rose is the quintessential herb of love. Used energetically in herbalism to help encourage tenderness and compassion, the magic of rose can be used with others or on the self. With gentle nervine qualities and a pleasant flavor, it is a sweet way to bolster your bakedgoods.
Cardamom
A warming, spicey, and pungent carminative herbal, cardamom is beneficial herb for the digestive process, which is probably part of the reason you see it added to so many pastry delights. Combine with the tenderness of rose, and you have a heart-opeening yet warm and grounding combo.
I love to serve this bread as a breakfast or midday snack alongside a homemade chai tea. While I’ve included the ingredients that I would use in my own alchemical kitchen, feel free to substitute items such as organic flour, Himalayan salt, or raw sugar to meet your culinary or financial preferences. This bread is most divine when served slightly warm, but retains its flavor for days after the initial bake.
Cardamom Rose Banana Bread Ingredients
1 cage free egg
¼ c melted unsalted butter
1 ½ c organic white flour
1 tsp fine himalayan pink salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 blackened bananas (mashed)
1 c organic raw sugar
1 tsp vanilla (my favorite is nielsen-massey)
1+ tsp freshly ground cardamom powder
3-5 dried pink or damascena roses, separated into the petals
Directions
Melt butter and let cool slightly. Mash bananas (the darker and riper the better) and set aside. Mix flour, salt, baking soda, and cardamom, and set aside. Beat the egg slightly with a fork and add to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your mixer. Add sugar, butter, banana, and vanilla to the bowl. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth consistency is formed. Pour into a greased loaf pan, and sprinkle the top of the batter with the petals of 3-5 roses. Bake for 45 minutes - 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, turning part of the way through and keeping mind not to burn the roses. Though you want a nice deep golden-brown finish on the loaf, if the top becomes too dark while cooking, you can cover it with a sheet of tinfoil to prevent extra the bread and roses from getting too dark. The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, but not too dry. I usually start checking for “doneness” at about 35 minutes into baking. Serve warm with butter, or let cool and store covered for 3-4 days.
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Note: The information is for educational, historical, and research purposes, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this site should not be used as medical advice. If you have a medical concern please seek out a qualified health care professional, and always consult your physician before adding herbal supplements into your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication. Do not consume alcohol if you are under the age of 21 years old.
