Monday, April 29, 2013

How to Use Over-Ripe Bananas

I love smoothies.  I first had one when I stayed at a bed and breakfast in Buchanan, West Virginia.  We were the only guests that weekend and the chef took a lot of time preparing our breakfasts and lunches.  The only problem with smoothies is that most are high in calories.  This smoothie, from Everyday Happy Herbivore, by Lindsay S. Nixon, is absolutely amazing.  Smooth and rich, my husband Michael said, "It can't be healthy, it's too good."  It comes in at 334 calories, which is still nothing to snicker at, but as smoothies go, on the light side.  It's also a great way to use up those bananas that ripen a bit too quickly.  Just peel, and pop into a zip lock baggie and put in the freezer.  Then when you're ready to rumble, so are your bananas.  Enjoy! (My comments in bold.)

Banana Smoothie

Serves 1 (I often double--my blender handles it just fine.)
Ms. Nixon calls this a "cheater" recipe because it has peanut butter.

2 frozen bananas
1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter (I like chunky and I get it from a local store that just grinds the peanuts and adds nothing else.)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup non-dairy milk (I usually add a few tablespoons more for consistency)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and whiz until smooth, adding more non-dairy milk as necessary.

Nutritional Information:  334 calories, 10.1 grams fat, 65 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fiber, 31.9 grams sugars, 9.1 grams protein

Sorry I don't have a photo, but I'll try to add one later.
 




2 comments:

  1. Diana, I love these smoothies. They taste decadent without the guilt because there is no sugar (the bananas give them all the sweetness needed). Boy, when i think of all the bananas that we have composted because they got too ripe to eat...!!! This is a perfect way to use them up.

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  2. I love them too. And I'm happy that we don't waste bananas any more. Maybe I'll make some for breakfast tomorrow.

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