Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

And so, my summer of organic chemistry is done! 

Por fin!

I made this bread to munch on while I shamelessly lounge around, watching reruns of House, TLC, and old Lifetime movies.  This bread was so, so moist and dense and delectable.  After two days in the fridge, it really peaked in yumminess--I wish I made TWO!  

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

1/3 c. butter, softened

1 c. AP flour

1 t. baking powder

1 t. baking soda

pinch of salt (omit if salted butter was used)

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 t. cinnamon

1 cup smashed bananas, over-ripe

1 t. vanilla

1 egg

1/2 c. plain greek yogurt (or sour cream)

3/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease an 8-1/2x4-1/2" loaf pan. Set aside.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.

In an electric mixer, cream together butter, sugar, salt, and cinnamon until light and fluffy.  Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl.  Add in bananas and vanilla; continue mixing for another minute.  Mix in egg until mixture is well combined.  

Set electric mixer to low speed, and gradually add in flour mixture.

Mix in yogurt by hand until there are a few remaining white streaks.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Transfer batter to loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Cool completely, then store in refrigerator. 

Spinach & Banana Green Smoothie

A couple years ago, my boyfriend and I went through a huge smoothie phase.  They were delicious, healthy alternatives to ice cream.  We made smoothies as a snack a few times a week, and sometimes as a breakfast-on-the-go.  One day, in the height of our smoothie phase, I added spinach to a strawberry-citrus smoothie, just for kicks.   It ended up being delicious, and aside from the ugly green color, you couldn't even tell that spinach was added.  

Spinach + Smoothies = Fantastic Idea!

 Just through experimenting and trying to incorporate various healthy things, I came up with this smoothie.  It ended up becoming a breakfast staple for me and my roommate, Jessica.  This is definitely deceivingly delicious, jam-packed with nutrients, and filling enough to be a meal substitute. 

Health-Boosting Green Smoothie

First, grind the following dry ingredients into a fine powder in your blender:

1-2 T. Chia Seeds (fiber & omega-3s)

1 T PB2 (Peanut butter flavor, without the added sugar/oil)

***optional--1/8 c. old-fashioned, raw oatmeal

Next, add the following to your blender:

2 spoonfuls (~1/8 c) Greek yogurt (I use vanilla/honey flavor--protein & probiotics)

1 T. Coconut Oil (make sure you get Unrefined, Unprocessed, Extra Virgin, Cold-Pressed)

1 banana

2-3 handfuls spinach

splash of milk (water will also work)

Blend until well-incorporated, adding more liquid as necessary.

Finish by blending in ICE until desired consistency.

TIP: You can use easily use frozen bananas and spinach in this smoothie.  If I buy fresh spinach and don't have time to use the entire bag, I'll transfer the spinach to a freezer Ziploc and freeze it.  I don't buy it already frozen and disgusting in the carton.  With bananas, if you have ripe ones that are about to spoil--cut into coins, freeze on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper, and transfer to a Ziploc once frozen through.