Monday, June 27, 2016

Honey Banana Bread ~ adapted from A Pinch Of Joy




1/2 c unsweetened applesauce
1/2 c honey
2 eggs
3 overripe bananas, mashed
2 c all purpose unbleached flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 2 9x5 loaf pans or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

In medium bowl, mix applesauce and honey together. Add eggs and mashed bananas and stir well. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir just until combined. Do not over mix.

Divide between prepared pans and bake 30-35 minutes or until top springs back when touched. Makes 16 slices, 8 per loaf.

Chef's Note: Using 2 baking pans reduces the baking time by half, as most banana bread recipes bake for an hour. Using honey in place of refined sugar and applesauce in place of oil cuts the calories to 121 per slice.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Healthy Sugar Free Fudge ~ adapted slightly from Peachy Palate


1 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 c pitted medjool dates
1/4 c natural peanut butter
1/4 c unsweetened coca powder
2 T coconut oil, melted
2 t vanilla extract
Pinch sea salt
Chopped pecans, optional (but strongly recommended)

Place all ingredients except pecans in food processor. Process until very smooth, approximately 5 minutes. Scrape down bowl as necessary. Spread fudge mixture in a greased 4x9 loaf pan. Sprinkle with pecans,l if desired, pressing down slightly. Refrigerate until well set, at least 1 hour. Slice into 20 squares and store tightly covered in refrigerator.

Chef's note: The texture is definitely "beans", in my opinion the addition of pecans is a must.