Bananas are the greatest. Not only do they come in their own special packaging, but you can use them a number of different ways when it comes to recipes.  Below are some of my favorite banana treats, enjoy!  — Sherry

 

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Banana Smoothie

This one will take a little advance preparation, so I like to get things ready the night before.  

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 2/3 cup milk or milk substitute
  • 2 tbs. peanut butter

Combine the rolled oats and milk or milk substitute in a jar and let sit in the fridge overnight.  Peel a banana and wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze overnight.  The next morning, chop up your frozen banana and dump it with the peanut butter, and oatmeal mixture in your blender.  Blitz until smooth and enjoy a “milkshake” for breakfast!

 

Banana “Nice” Cream

Another recipe that calls for frozen bananas!

  • 4 – 5 frozen bananas
  • Add-ins of choice (peanut butter, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, other frozen fruit like strawberries, etc.)

Add bananas to a food processor and blend, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl, until smooth.  Stir in your add-ins.  Scoop into a bowl and dive in as soft serve, or dump it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least an hour. 

 

Banana Bread

I like to make a streusel topping for this made out of flour, brown sugar, cold butter and a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg.

  • 4 cups flour
  • 3 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups melted butter
  • 2 cups mashed bananas
  • 2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract

Preheat oven to 350.  Combine flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl and set aside.  Beat eggs in separate bowl until light and frothy.  Add sugar and melted butter, mixing well.  Stir in mashed banana, vanilla and almond extract.  Add flour to banana mixture and stir just to combine (don’t overmix it, you’ll regret it!).  Spoon into pans (I like to make mini-loaves) and bake for one hour.