It is very rare that I send my daughters to school with packaged foods.  The odd time I do, it’s brands that I trust that are not high in sugar and I can pronounce each ingredient on the box.  I do prefer and try to best to make our own food and snacks.   I know exactly what ingredients are going in the recipe which makes me feel better because I know what my daughters are eating.  It is also cost effective to make your own muffins and granola bars … who doesn’t love to save some money here and there!

Every week, I have been trying to meal plan at least 1 item that we can enjoy during the week.  I have made hummus, muffins and granola bars.  Today, we made banana bread.  It is one of my favourite snacks to have and it’s something different versus always making muffins.  It is also kid approved!!

 

BANANA BREAD

 

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup unsweeted apple sauce

1/4 cup maple syrup (more if you like your banana bread a bit sweeter) OR 1/3 cup of brown sugar

2 eggs

2 cups of flour ( I used spelt flour, but your could use all purpose)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 salt

1 tsp cinnamon

5 tbsp of milk

3 large, very ripe bananas mashed (about 1.5 cups)

1/2 – 1 cup of chocolate chips

 

DIRECTIONS

Preheat over to 350 degrees

  1. Melt butter. Add the apple sauce and maple syrup (or brown sugar)
  2. Beat the eggs before you add it to the rest of the wet ingredients.
  3. In a separate bowl: add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon.  Add the milk slowly as you are mixing in the dry ingredients.
  4. Pre- mash the bananas before you add them into the recipe
  5. Add your chocolate chips (I use mini chocolate chips … use whatever makes you happy!)

 

I line my bread pan with parchment paper before adding the mix.  I haven’t tried silicone pans … but I know some people that swear by them! Again … do what works for you in your kitchen!

Bake for 55 mins or until the sides and top is brown and if you insert a toothpick in the middle, no liquid dough comes out.

 

ENJOY!!

 

 

Momentum Health & Wellness