Tag Archives: banana

Green Monster Spinach Smoothie

I hate to sound cliché but I really, really, want to start eating better.  I know, I know, me and half of the country, right?  It isn’t that I really eat that bad, I mean I do get the majority of my recipes from Cooking Light magazine after all, but my problem is two-fold:  I don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables and I have no concept of portion control!  Smoothies are a great way to get those much needed servings of fruit and vegetables that most of us don’t get and also make for a filling, delicious breakfast.

This Green Monster Spinach Smoothie may not look appetizing to some of you but don’t be intimidated by it’s bright green color.  Yes, it’s a spinach smoothie but if it weren’t for the color, you would never know by the taste.  This smoothie has milk, vanilla yogurt, banana, and peanut butter and tastes like a peanut butter-banana milkshake.  Since spinach is nutritious and so, so, so good for us, consider putting spinach in any smoothie you make.  Your body will thank you.

The ingredients:

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into your favorite glass or to-go cup and enjoy!

Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:  None

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Iowa Girl Eats blog

Banana Bread Scones with Brown Sugar Glaze

I love banana bread and I love scones so when I saw this recipe for Banana Bread Scones with Brown Sugar Glaze, I definitely had to try it. These quick bread treats have a subtle banana and cinnamon flavor and would be tasty with a cup of coffee or tea. The scones aren’t overly sweet and would be delicious with a little bit of butter and without the glaze, if you prefer. But, in my opinion, the brown sugar glaze provides a tasty sweetness that my sweet tooth is grateful for. The recipe says to use 2% or whole milk but I used skim milk and everything turned out fine. The walnuts are optional so leave them out if you like but they do give an added crunch. If you like banana bread and are willing to try something slightly different, consider these scones instead.

The ingredients:

Combine mashed bananas, milk, and yogurt in a small bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter with a pastry knife or fork.

Pour banana mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in the walnuts.

Pour dough onto a piece of wax paper and shape into a disk. Top with another piece of wax paper and freeze for 30 minutes.

Carefully remove top layer of wax paper and replace with a piece of parchment paper. Invert a baking sheet and place on top of parchment. Flip the whole thing over so that dough is on the baking sheet lined with parchment. Remove other layer of wax paper and discard. Cut or score dough into eight pieces and bake in a 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes. While scones bake, combine butter and milk in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Add in brown sugar and vanilla, stirring until sugar has disolved.

Add powdered sugar and stir to desired thickness.

Drizzle glaze over scones just before serving.

Additions: None

Omissions: None

Substitutions:

  • Fat-free milk
  • Non-fat Greek yogurt

Overall Rating: Like It

Source: the kithn

Bananas Foster Bread

The first time I made this bread last year, I ended up setting my oven on fire and never got to try the finished product.  I have to admit I was a little nervous this time but luckily there was no fire, only the lingering aroma of banana goodness.  Everyday banana bread is already delicious and this recipe, with dark rum, is like a blinged-out version.  The addition of flax seed (which took me a while to find at the store) adds texture and a bit of a nutty flavor which I like.  The icing glaze adds sweetness but it isn’t necessary – the bread is good enough without it.

Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:  None

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Cooking Light Magazine

1 … 3 4
Blog at WordPress.com.