Banana Walnut Bread

My husband, Steven, surprised me with a small gift recently - my first bread pan!!  I suppose you know you're an adult when bread pans as gifts excite you  ;)  My new toy needed some breaking in, so I started perusing some - what else? - Paleo banana bread recipes. Doesn't everyone love banana bread? This girl sure does. I'm especially fond of Starbuck's super sugary one, but for obvious reasons, that is not an indulgence I partake in often.

I am pleased to report that this Paleo version of a traditional banana bread is suuuuper convincing.  The hubby and I both agreed we couldn't tell much of a difference between it and the "real" thing. It's also ridiculously easy to make - throw your ingredients in a food processor, blend, pour, and bake - which makes it a definite keeper in my book.

A slice of this Banana Walnut Bread pairs perfectly with a morning cup of coffee, and is even better smeared with just a touch of grass-fed butter or almond butter (or other nut butter of your choice).  Healthy fats, FTW!

Banana Walnut Bread

Serving Size: Recipe makes one 5 x 9 - inch loaf (8 thick or 10 thinner slices)

Ingredients:

6 large eggs

1/3 cup coconut milk

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

8 Tbsp coconut oil

3/4 cup coconut flour

1/2 cup almond flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 large bananas)

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Place all ingredients, except the walnuts and cinnamon, in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth.

3) Pour mixture into a loaf pan (don't forget your non-stick spray) and sprinkle chopped walnuts and cinnamon evenly across the top.

4) Bake for 45-50 minutes or until tester-toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

5) Cool for 10 minutes before inverting bread onto a cooling rack.  

Paleo Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

We survived Snowpocalypse!  This week we're thawing out with some pretty sunshine and much warmer temps... it's 72 degrees outside at the moment.  Thank you, Lord.  I'm so ready for spring!

The recipe I'm sharing today is one of my go-tos and has been for quite some time now. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and I especially love a sweet breakfast - pancakes, waffles, muffins, french toast, banana bread...you get the idea.  These muffins satisfy me just like the real thing, but they're a whole lot better for me than the real thing. It's a win-win!

Still not sold?...

You only need 7 ingredients to make them.  Yep, 7. So easy.

These are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee and after being warmed in the microwave for about 20 seconds :)

Paleo Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:

3 bananas, ripe

3 eggs

3 1/2 cups almond flour

1/4 cup of dark chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate) chips

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

Directions:

1) Blend the wet ingredients.

2) Mix the dry in a bowl with a fork.

3) Combine the wet and dry, then scoop into a lined muffin pan and bake at 350 for 23-24 minutes (until lightly browned).

4) Remove and let cool.

There might be something wrong with you if you don't love these muffins ;)