Banana Bread

My baby girl loves bananas so I usually have some that are just too ripe to eat. I decided to make banana bread with them yesterday. It was very easy to make. The bread is not too sweet and has a dense crumb.

Aside from the sugar, this bread is not too bad for you. It has a bunch of bananas, whole wheat flour and olive oil.

Banana Bread

2 1/3 cups overripe bananas pressed tight into measuring cups
1/2 cup olive oil

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed tight
2 large eggs
1 cup white whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
 
Add the bananas to a bowl and mash them well with a potato masher. Add eggs to the bananas and mix with the masher. Add the sugar and oil to the bowl and stir. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
 
Grease a loaf pan with natural shortening and line bottom with parchment paper or put 1/4 cup of sliced almonds or raw oatmeal on the bottom. This prevent the bread from sticking to the bottom. Pour in the batter and if you like sprinkle the top with sliced almonds.
 
Bake at 350 F in the center rack for about 60 minutes or until the top is firm to touch. Let the bread cool completely and then invert out of the pan. I think that is bread is better after it sits for a couple of hours.

Slice into 1/2 - 1 inch slices and enjoy! If the bread is around after 1 day, slice it and freeze it to prevent molding.

makes 1 loaf

Hummus

I love hummus, it is so yummy and rich. I tried hummus in restaurants and was confused why my hummus would never turn out restaurant smooth. I did some online research and found out that if you peel the beans, which is not hard but is tedious, the hummus turns out smooth. You do not have to peel the beans, but your hummus will be a little rough.

Hummus
15 ounce can garbanzo beans, drained
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 clove garlic, grated on a microplane
1/2 cup water, room temperature

Put the garbanzo beans into a large bowl and cover with water. Rub the beans to remove the skins. The skins do not float to the top so you have to swish everything with your hand and then carefully drain the water into the sink. Since the beans are heavy they will stay on the bottom. Most of the skins will come out, but you will have to repeat this couple of times to get all the skins out.

Place the drained garbanzo beans along with everything else into a blender (blender works much better than a food processor). Blend until smooth and transfer mixture to a serving bowl.

Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the hummus and sprinkle with paprika and finely chopped parsley. Serve with pita bread. YUM!

Grilled Cheese Sandwich the French Toast Way

I am sure that this has an official name, but I do not know it. It is just like making french toast, but with two slices and filling inside. It is really easy and can be made healthy by adding good for you 'stuff'.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich the French Toast Way
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk, any fat
plenty of freshly ground pepper or freshly chopped herbs such as rosemary, oregano
4 slices sturdy whole wheat bread, halfway dry
'Stuff': sliced meat, fresh spinach, good melting or bad melting cheese, ...

Whisk eggs, milk and pepper or herbs in a large shallow bowl (you can also use a large dinner plate).

Place 'stuff' between the two slices of bread and apply any spreads (such as pesto, mustard,...). Now put the other slice on top and dip the sandwich into the custard, just like if you were making french toast. You want the bread slices to absorb some the custard. Set aside on a plate and repeat with the other two slices.

Preheat a 10 or 12 inch skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over low heat until the oil is simmering. Put the soaked sandwich into the pan and cook for a couple of minutes per side or until the cheese melts.

Makes 2 sandwiches