Banana Honey Bread

I promise I'm not going all health-food on you (not that it's really a bad thing, it's just not "me", ya know?), but this bread is amazing and it doesn't even have any added sugar in it! Or butter! It's like I'm morphing into someone else. Except for I'm not. And just to prove it to you, I made my very own batch of vanilla scented butter, recipe coming shortly.

But back to the topic at hand...this bread has a soft, spongey texture and is oh-so-moist. The smell of honey fills your home with an intoxicating scent that will make you want to eat the entire loaf while hiding in the pantry (or hall closet, in the case of my tiny apartment) so you don't have to share. But I'm a giving person, so I resisted that urge and didn't do that...this time. I promise I won't judge you if you don't decide to be so gracious.

So get ready for what is quite possibly the easiest banana bread recipe ever.

Banana Honey Bread [click to print]
Makes 1 loaf

• 2 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 c. honey
• 1/2 c. applesauce, no sugar added
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 3 bananas, mashed (about 3/4 c.)

1) Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously coat loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2) Whisk together flour, soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside. In mixing bowl, beat honey, applesauce and vanilla until well combined. Add eggs and bananas. Add dry ingredients and continue mixing until just combined.

3) Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes or until done.

Source: Adapted from 8 Weeks to a Better You

No Bake Energy Bites

Normally, the battle to eat health food is a losing battle. The siren call of sweet treats is steady and constant. But with these little no-bake energy bites, you get the best of both worlds! These chewy little cookie bites are packed with so many good-for-you things, with a few chocolate chips...but, hey! Chocolate is good for you, too, these days! 

No Bake Energy Bites [click to print]
Makes about 24 bites


1 c. oatmeal
1 c. coconut flakes
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. ground flaxseed
1/3 c. honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in large bowl and mash with your hands until everything is well combined. Chill for 1 hour. Scoop into 1" balls and enjoy! Store in airtight container in fridge for up to a week...if they last that long!


Source: Slightly adapted from Smashed Peas and Carrots