Whole Wheat Banana Bread

Banana bread is everyone’s favorite use for overly ripe bananas. Here’s my favorite whole wheat banana bread recipe. It’s simple to make and is easily customized by adding a handful of dark chocolate chips, dried fruit or rolled oats. I’ve tinkered with this bread to get it just how I like it- not too sweet and made with whole grain flour. Toasted nuts and a touch of cinnamon make the loaf hearty and flavorful. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea and fresh fruit.

Whole Wheat Banana Bread

Whole Wheat Banana Bread

Whole Wheat Banana Bread
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar or sucanat
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
2 teaspoons pure vanilla
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of 8×4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In medium bowl mix egg, sugar, yogurt, oil, banana and vanilla until well blended. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in walnuts. Pour batter into pan.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

Makes 1 loaf (16 slices)

Tip: You’ll need 2 large or 3 medium bananas for this recipe. Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
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Pumpkin Spice Smoothies

Canned pure pumpkin is one of my favorite clean eating ingredients. I add it to muffins to add flavor and nutrition, or use it to make a quick and simple pumpkin soup. Smoothies are another great use for pumpkin, as long as you opt for smart ingredients and serving size. Most pumpkin smoothies are really decadent, designed to taste like pumpkin pie in a glass. Here’s a lighter, less sweet version of a pumpkin smoothie recipe. Apple cider and plain yogurt lend a tartness that complements the pumpkin. Coconut milk, spices and pure maple syrup round out the flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Smoothies

Pumpkin Spice Smoothies
1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 cup ice cubes

Add apple cider, pumpkin, yogurt, coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla to blender container. Cover and blend until smooth. Add ice; cover and blend until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses.

Makes 2 servings (1 1/4 cups each)

Tip: Plain yogurt offers a tart, bright flavor to this smoothie. If you prefer a sweeter version, make with vanilla yogurt or add a little more maple syrup.

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