Slow Down Time!

This little baby is getting so big, so fast. She's developed this sweet, sassy personality what feels like overnight. It is incredibly fun to play with her and see this new side of her, but it makes me acutely aware of just how fast time is going. I'm so blessed to be her Momma.

Momma's Healthy Banana Coconut Bread

These days we often seem to have 2 or 3 sad looking bananas in our fruit bowl, and I've been frequently inspired to make them into banana bread.  Unfortunately, most recipes for banana bread aren't very healthy. I've been fussing around trying to find a recipe I like, and so far this is my favorite.  I used a recipe from Bethenny Frankel as my inspiration, but I omitted the sugar and butter and added lots of nuts, seeds and coconut flavors.  If you are looking for a light, cakey banana bread, this isn't for you.  This is a hearty, solid loaf, that fills you up and is perfect with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients: Momma's Healthy Banana Coconut Bread
Liberally adapted from Bethenny Frankel. Her original recipe can be found here:
http://www.bethenny.com/2013/02/23/boo-boo-banana-bread/

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients:
1 cup mashed overripe bananas (2 or 3)
1 egg
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1 cup flour (I used whole wheat, but any kind will do)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup organic coconut oil
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/8 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup millet
1/3 cup shredded coconut

*Sometimes I will add in some dark chocolate chips or I chop up a bit of a dark chocolate bar to add; it all depends on how healthy you want to be!

 
Directions:
1.  Preheat the oven to 350° F. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour in the batter and cover it loosely with foil.
3. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for another 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean (moist crumbs are fine). Cool completely, then slice and serve.

Ice cream!

Today was the first real spring day in Chicago. Sunny, mid 50's....amazing. E and I decided to make some coconut milk ice cream in the Kitchen Aid to commemorate the day. Daddy got home early and we grilled out too! It was a perfect day!