The banana is America’s top-selling fruit. Contrary to common perception, the banana actually comes from the world’s largest herbaceous flowering plant—not from a tree. Bananas grow in bunches called hands; a group of hands make up a stem, which can weigh over 100 pounds.
Bananas are known to be rich in potassium. A medium banana can contain 400–600 milligrams of it. They are very low in calories and fat, and provide a multitude of vitamins and minerals. The health benefits of bananas are numerous and include lowering blood pressure, boosting brain power and energy levels and fighting depression...just to name a few.
Fresh bananas are available year-round. They ripen best off the plant. The more ripe they are, the sweeter they taste. Bananas should be firm, but not too hard, bright in appearance, and free from bruises or other injuries. Their stems and tips should be intact. The size of the banana does not affect its quality, so simply choose the size that best meets your needs.
In addition to being eaten raw, bananas are a wonderful addition to a variety of recipes from salads to baked goods. Bananas and most nut butters go great together; with that in mind I came up with this wonderful recipe for Almond Butter Banana bread. Made with whole wheat flour and packed with protein I like to enjoy this with my morning coffee.
Almond Butter Banana Bread
(printable recipe)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup fresh ground almond butter
2 egg whites
1 1/2 cups mashed banana
1/3 cup non-fat yogurt
1 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Preheat oven 350° F. Grease and flour a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, beat sugar and almond butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs on low speed until blended then add bananas and yogurt. Beat for 30 seconds. Stir in remaining ingredients until just combined and pour into loaf pan. Sprinkle top with pecans, if using.
Bake 55 to 60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf.
Cool in pan for 5 minutes and remove to cooling rack.
YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, you learn something new every day - I did not know that! I'd love to ponder it further over a slice of this tasty bread...
ReplyDeleteOhh... love the almond butter addition! Another banana bread recipe to try!
ReplyDeleteKrista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
I happen to have a few way beyond ripe bananas just begging me to make them into bread.
ReplyDeleteI love bananas in smoothies and especially in quick breads. yours looks really nice!
ReplyDeleteThis bread looks delicious! It would be perfect for breakfast today!
ReplyDeleteNothing is better than a very ripe banana. And this bread looks so amazing!!!! Baking banana bread smells so good!
ReplyDeleteMy family loves banana bread I just need to make it gluten free and sugar free for us. but this looks lovely. Love the addition of almond butter!
ReplyDeleteI love banana bread! I bet adding almond butter to the batter makes it extra delicious.
ReplyDeleteOooh. I didn't know that it doesn't come from a tree! Interesting. This sounds wonderful, especially the addition of almond butter!
ReplyDeleteI love making banana bread but have never thought of using almond butter in the batter! LOVE this!
ReplyDeleteThis banana bread looks wonderful. I'm loving all the nuts you've used as topping!
ReplyDeleteRenee - Kudos Kitchen
I LOVE banana bread! And adding the almond butter to this makes me want a slice for breakfast tomorrow!
ReplyDelete