Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations and with it, the Dawning of the Planet of the Apes.
Okay, I know that’s not strictly true – I’m clubbing all non-human primates together here but it sounded better!
It’s actually the Year of the Monkey: The ninth sign of the Chinese Zodiac.
If you were born in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 or within the last month (you’re a VERY advanced reader if you fall into the latter…) then you may display the characteristics of the monkey: Quick-witted, intelligent, curious and innovative.
Personally, I’m a dragon. More specifically, a fire dragon. No wonder I’m Team Targaryen!
Anywho, for today’s Monday Munchies, I thought I’d share some healthy recipes that monkeys would want to nibble on. Because everybody knows, monkeys love bananas!
The main recipe is a firm, comfort food favourite: Banana bread. This simple, healthy concoction has been made dairy-free and can easily be adapted to be without gluten or completely vegan.
Eat if for breakfast, lunch or with an afternoon cuppa. Anytime is wonderful and toasted with some peanut butter is even better!
And whilst we’re on a banana vibe, why not check out a healthy breakfast alternative with my Bana-NOM-lette! Yes, it’s an ‘omelette’ made with this potassium packed fruit.
Just remember, before baking with bananas, make sure you remove the ends. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Read my Banana Cray-Cray and all will makes sense. Actually, maybe it won’t…
Enjoy and here’s to a prosperous Year of the Monkey!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 – 3 medium bananas, mashed.
- 1/2 cup runny honey.
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil.
- 1/4 milk or water. (Also works with dairy-free alternatives).
- 1 and 3/4 cups of wholemeal / white plain flour.
- 2 eggs.
- 1/2 cup of additions (I used dark choc chunks and raisins in equal parts).
- 1 tsp baking soda.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- 1/2 tsp salt.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
METHOD:
Pre-heat oven to Gas Mark 4. Whisk together oil and honey then beat in eggs.
Add milk and mashed bananas, whisking well. Next, mix in your baking soda, salt, cinnamon and vanilla extract.
Add the flour, folding in with a wooden spoon. Finally, mix in any additions. Don’t be tempted to over mix – lumps add to the wholesome texture!
Pour mixture into a greased, lined loaf tin (9×5 inches) then sprinkle over some more cinnamon (optional).
Bake for 55 minutes until a skewer comes out clean from the centre. Allow to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes then cool further on a wire rack (30 minutes).
This will keep in a tin for 2-3 days or longer (5-7 days) in the fridge. Alternatively, the loaf can be frozen for up to a month.
Image Credits: Pinterest, giphy.com and my own 🙂
Did you know you can follow the Bobbins on Twitter and Facebook? Come and say hi!
Umm….I may have drooled all over my phone while reading this. May…not for sure. It hasn’t been confirmed as drool. It could also be….ugh….the ceiling leaking. Yup…that’s it. I just happen to have some overly ripe bananas as well. Now….to find the time!!!! *sigh*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I don’t want to be held responsible for leakages!! Hope you find the time to make one – at least it’s a very quick prep then you can leave it alone for a while to bake 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have I ever mentioned that I have made bread “bricks” before…. My boys wouldn’t hesitate to tell you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t, no can’t do bread. Mine come out like bricks too. But you’ll be fine with this, it’s cake posing as bread. Only the name has anything in common!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks soooo good! Simple to make as well, which with my culinary ‘skills’ is a must! Never heard of banana omelettes before!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m the same – I might like to think I could be on Bake Off but the reality is quite different!
Originally, I intended to make banana pancakes but they turned out a little more ‘mushed up’ so I renamed them bana-Nom-lettes. Always a way around things!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, nice improve!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Banana Bread!! I have not made it in years, but such a great way to use older bananas. Once more you have used your literary skills, even in a recipe!! I like the term “runny honey”, not only does it rhyme, but so many recipes do not warn you that you have to get the honey out of its solid state, which it is often in if it has been in the cupboard for awhile. And of course, I have to have chocolate chips in my banana bread. Half raisins would be a healthier idea. I plan to print out this recipe. Have you thought of doing a cookbook?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I always refer to it as runny honey as, despite loving the stuff, I can’t stand ‘set’ honey and often need to specify when I use it as a tea sweetener. I’m not sure anyone would buy my cookbook though – Might have to call it ‘The lazy baker’s guide to easy treats’ or ‘Presentation isn’t everything, it all goes down the same way!!’ 😉
Hope you enjoy making the loaf!
LikeLike
Looking at that, am I not hungry now? So beautifully done. I love them already. 🙂
Here’s hoping you’ll check out my blog too at https://thewhimsicalandwanderingsoul.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
I apologise for making you feel hungry but I’m glad you like the look of it! I’ll be sure check out your blog too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the look of it. That’s what happens when something looks that good! Look forward to having you on the other side. Cheers. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to be a dragon too! Let’s be dragons!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I’m all in favour of more dragons in the world. I guess I should really do BBQ recipes!
LikeLike
Mmmm, can almost smell it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only I could be satisfied with the smell alone… So much better for the waistline!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks amazing and It’s got bananas in it, what’s not to like! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, thanks! I’d be worried if a half bananas person didn’t like it. Although, I guess that means you’re eating yourself…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does get confusing. I eat a banana every morning but there is a tiny voice in the back of my mind that screams ‘You monster! That was a distant relative!’
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha… Cannibal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am always looking for good new recipes, thanks for the share…Have a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome and same to you! I hope you like it if you decide to bake 🙂
LikeLike
Umm…toasted and slathered with peanut butter ..I’ve got to try that (problem is my monkeys usually eat it all before it gets a chance to touch the toaster 😉
Turtle Hugs and Happy New Year to the “monkeys” out there
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, freeze some in slices then pop it in when you’re on your own! There should be a year of the turtle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great idea Haylee thank you 😉
The year of the turtle would be awesome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yum! I love banana bread!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s lovely isn’t it?! Always good to have cake that’s ‘healthy’ 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funnily enough, I really dislike bananas but can’t get enough of banana cake! And yep, healthy, just like carrot cake, right? 😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, that cream cheese frosting on carrot cake should be given out on prescription!
LikeLike
This looks delicious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it really is. I should probably stop nibbling but it’s still warm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I feel hungry just looking at it.
LikeLiked by 1 person