Recipe: Blueberry Banana Bread

Banana bread is one of my favourite treat/snack/breakfast items of all time. I have tried many banana bread recipes and I think I have finally developed the ultimate banana bread recipe that is both delicious  and healthy!

This recipe replaces traditional white flour with whole wheat flour and wheat bran for added fibre to your diet. 

Here are 3 tips to make the best banana bread:
1. Freeze your over-ripe bananas and thaw before making your banana bread.  This will help with the banana mixing evenly in the batter!
2. Try different “mix-ins”.  Replace blueberries with nuts, chocolate chips, or make a plain loaf of banana bread, which is just as delicious! 
3. Bake the batter in a muffin tin for a perfect on-the-go serving size! 

Blueberry Banana Bread

Recipe adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/whole-wheat-banana-nut-bread/

Makes: 1 9x15 inch loaf

One Serving: 1 - 1inch slice

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup canola oil
• ½ cup honey or white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup wheat bran
• ¼ cup flaxseed
• 1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ cup hot water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, beat oil and honey together. Add eggs, and mix well. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt. Add baking soda to hot water, stir to mix, and then add to batter. Mix in blueberries. Spread batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
3. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 1/2 hour before slicing.

Enjoy!

Recipe: Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is one of my favourite Indian dishes to have at weddings.  After a long day, I was looking for a quick, easy, and healthy recipe.  This recipe uses fresh spinach and replaces cream with yogurt, making this a wonderfully healthy recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or as a part of a fancy menu.

Nutrition Tip: Spinach is a great source of many nutrients such as folate, calcium, and iron.

I prefer to not blend my spinach completely, giving a different yet appealing look.

Palak Paneer
Recipe Adapted from: pinchofyum.com
Makes: 4-6 servings
One Serving: 1/3 - 1/2 cup

• 2 tsp canola oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 chili pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds 
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste
• 1 14 ounce diced tomatoes with italian spices
• 3 cups spinach, washed and chopped
• 1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 ounces paneer, cubed

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Saute the onion and chili pepper until soft and slightly browned. 
2. Add the cumin seeds, garam masala, salt, and ginger and garlic paste. Saute the mixture for 2-3 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and mix well for about 5-10 minutes.
3. Add the spinach to the skillet and saute for 3-5 minutes, or until spinach has wilted. Remove from heat. 
4. Using a hand blender, blend the curry using a few pulses until you get the desired consistency (I prefer it not completely smooth). 
5. Return skillet to medium high heat and add paneer. Stir in water and yogurt and cover to simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve with brown rice or naan.

Enjoy!