I will preface this with: I suck at writing recipes. Most of my awesome food is created by crazy-random-happenstance (example: my raspberry grilled chicken that I have yet to recreate).

And actually, my blueberry banana pancakes were created by a happy accident.  When I was training for a half marathon last spring, I sent Mark [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

I will preface this with: I suck at writing recipes. Most of my awesome food is created by crazy-random-happenstance (example: my raspberry grilled chicken that I have yet to recreate).

And actually, my blueberry banana pancakes were created by a happy accident.  When I was training for a half marathon last spring, I sent Mark to the store for a couple of things to make a large breakfast in preparation for my run that Saturday. I was going to make blueberry pancakes, but I’d also asked him to pick up a couple of bananas so I could have those after my run. Anyway, he made the mistake of picking up fresh blueberries instead of frozen.  At this time, the super tiny itty bitty container of blueberries (which had probably 12 in it) was more expensive than a bag of frozen. He knew he messed up, but I told him  not to fret. I quick snatched up a banana and added that to the mix. Not to mention, I subbed out the oil for applesauce, as per his suggestion. Thus, my awesome pancakes were born.  Here is a half-assed attempt at a recipe for my blueberry banana pancakes.

Blueberry Banana Pancakes

Pancake Mix of Choosing
1-2 Ripe or overripe bananas, mashed
eggs (number according to pancake mix directions)
unsweetened applesauce (substitute for the oil as called for in pancake mix directions)
milk (amount called for in pancake mix directions)
1 bag frozen or 1 dry pint fresh blueberries
1 T oil for griddle

Heat oil over medium/high heat on a griddle.  Measure out pancake mix according to directions (I use a wheat or oatmeal mix) — amount will vary depending on how many pancakes you’ll want to make. Add banana, applesauce and milk. Stir until combined. Batter will be a bit lumpy. If it looks too thick, add a bit more milk. If it looks to thin, add a bit more mix.  Fold in blueberries.  Test the griddle to make sure it’s hot by dripping a drop of water on it. If it sizzles, it’s hot enough.  Using a 1/3 c measuring cup (or 1/4 c if you’re really uncomfortable with your pancake flipping skills), pour 2-3 pancakes on your griddle. When the top of the pancakes is all nice and bubbly, it’s time to flip. Flip pancakes and cook until the other side is browned.

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Wow that is a cheesy title, but it’s true!

I finally took the plunge and tried to eat a banana a couple weeks ago for the first time in at least 10 years. When I was younger I couldn’t eat bananas because they made my stomach hurt — which is ironic because it’s one of [...]]]> #leftcontainerBox { float:left; position: fixed; top: 60%; left: 70px; } #leftcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; clear:both; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; padding-bottom:2px; } #bottomcontainerBox { height: 30px; width:50%; padding-top:1px; } #bottomcontainerBox .buttons { float:left; height: 30px; margin:4px 4px 4px 4px; }

Wow that is a cheesy title, but it’s true!

I finally took the plunge and tried to eat a banana a couple weeks ago for the first time in at least 10 years. When I was younger I couldn’t eat bananas because they made my stomach hurt — which is ironic because it’s one of the things doctors always tell you to eat when you can’t digest much else.

Anyway, after a dormant period without bananas, I’m totally crazy about all things banana! (well, not as much as my friend Niki I suppose).

My absolute favorite thing and new obsession is making frozen banana custard.  I found this “recipe” on Iowa Girl Eats’s blog.  This was actually what prompted me to try bananas again.  I have a huge ice cream obsession and a few weeks back had an issue with stress eating (ie. pints of ice cream) lead to an unhealthily quick weight gain. So, I thought, if I could replace the ice cream with something healthy (ie. frozen banana) then I would be set.

AND yay. It worked. Those 7 pounds gone in a flash (gained ‘em one week, lost ‘em the next). They say that bananas are bloat-fighters, and I must agree. Because I’m going to throw it out there and say that 5 of those 7 pounds I gained in a week HAD to be water weight. (right? right.)

Anyway, here is my cleverly disguised banana for the day:

I will say that the trick is to cut the naners into smaller pieces before freezing. Also, I’ve been doing mine in the blender and using the “ice crush” function to get it going. I add a little bit of soy milk and some vanilla to the mix to get things going. I’ve also thrown in some chocolate ovaltine for a chocolate version of my faux ice cream.

Another thing that’s awesome about the banana obsession (aside from the health benefits) is the fact that they’re way cheap. I can make 3 pints of frozen banana custard using 4-5 medium bananas.  That is roughly $1.50 for 3 pints. Compare that to the price of one pint of Ben and Jerry’s. Just try.

Hopefully I don’t get sick of bananas because so far they’ve been doing wonders for me and my pocket book!

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