• 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (1 to 2 medium bananas)
• 1/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped

• 1 cup snipped dried California figs
• 4 beaten eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 6 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate
• 3/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoon Grand Marnier, amaretto or other liqueur

For Banana Bread, in a large mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add mashed ripe banana , margarine or butter, milk.

Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until blended. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and remaining 1/2 cup flour; beat until blended. Stir in walnuts.

Pour into greased 8 by 4 by 2-inch loaf pan.

Bake in a 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool thoroughly on wire rack.

For Pudding, cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes (should have about 6 cups). Place bread cubes in a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Add figs; toss gently to mix.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, milk, sugar, melted margarine, vanilla, and cardamom. Pour over bread mixture.

Bake in a 325°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool slightly.

For Chocolate-Grand Marnier Sauce, heat and stir semisweet chocolate in a heavy saucepan over low heat just until melted. Stir in whipping cream, sugar, and Grand Marnier. Cook and stir over medium-low heat about 3 minutes or until mixture just bubbles around edges. Remove from heat. Cover and cool slightly.

To serve, spoon warm bread pudding into individual dessert dishes. Spoon warm Chocolate-Grand Marnier Sauce over pudding.

Calories 123.6 (41% from Fat); Total Fat 5.7g;
Sodium 76.9mg; Potassium 174.7g; Protein 4.2g; Carbohydrate 14.3g; Sugar 12.4g; Dietary Fiber 1.2g;