Tag: ripe bananas

SUGAR-FREE POPSICLES

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Needed something to quench summer’s thirst. Didn’t have to venture far. Thanks to the refreshing and super-sweet fruits of summer I was able to satisfy and temper the sizzling temperatures.

I was happy to turn to my little stash of surplus fruits in the freezer. Secured them at a relatively inexpensive rate when there was a glut on the market. Those wholesome fruits were just perfect for the picking.

  • pineapple
  • mango
  • blueberries

Needed no added sugar as my fruits were loaded with enough natural one. Also added:

  • lime juice
  • ginger root
  • over-ripened banana

Placed all ingredients in a standing blender with a splash of cold water and blended and pureed my summer fruits to a refreshing finish. This was placed in popsicle holders and set. Felt like a kid in a candy store as I beamed with excitement with my choices.

 

 

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A POTASSIUM STACK FOR EASTER MORN #BANANA PANCAKES

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Easter Sunday morning found me in a perfect place. Started the day with fresh pineapple with blueberries.  Had a few over-ripened bananas and decided to make a stack of pancakes.

To the batter, I also incorporated:-

  • old-fashioned oats, whole-wheat flour,baking powder, olive oil, ground cinnamon and ginger, egg, and a pinch of salt.

All ingredients were combined and cooked in skillet until cooked. These were served with a drizzle of pancake syrup and topped with fresh grapes. I could not resist, I a few strips of crispy bacon on the side.

Delicious ripe banana pancakes were paired with freshly squeezed Florida (red) grapefruit juice.

BEET/CARROT BROWNIE #PULP GOODNESS

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I admit; sometimes I have a ‘sweet-tooth’. Wanted to find somewhat of a healthy way to enjoy the sweet side of things without feeling guilty. Made my staple beet/carrot drink to last me throughout the week. Hence, I reserved the pulp of this refreshing combination drink. I reckon carrot/beet cake was on my mind as I whipped up this healthy and sweet goodness.

BEET ROOT AND CARROT PULP
BEET ROOT AND CARROT PULP

Decided to make a batch of brownie from same. With additional ingredients of:

  • Mashed ripe bananas (for natural sweetness)
  • Sugar (2 teaspoon)
  • Eggs (2 med)
  • Oats (1 cup)
  • Olive oil (1/2 cup)
  • Whole-wheat flour (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Cranberries (1/2 cup)
  • Powdered ginger (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
BATTER READY FOR OVEN
BATTER READY FOR OVEN

Baking pan was lined with parchment paper for easy retrieval and clean-up. After spraying with a little Pam oil, brownie batter was baked in pre-heated 375 degrees fahrenheit for about 25 minutes. After cooling, brownie was sliced in small portions.

Each bite was a sweet delight.

 

BANANA PANCAKES/BLUEBERRIES #POTASSIUM/FIBER POWER

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Got a bit creative with my breakfast this morning. If you have been following my food blog, you know that I don’t toss. As a result, this morning was no different. You see, a couple of my ripe bananas got mushy and speckled.

Came up with the perfect ‘save’. I transformed my potassium fruits to warm and delicious pancakes. Some of the other ingredients added were:

  • Oatmeal (1/4 cup)
  • Cinnamon(1 teaspoon)
  • Brown sugar (1 teaspoon)
  • Olive oil(1 tablespoon)
  • Ginger (powdered)(1/4 teaspoon)
  • Whole-wheat flour (1 tablespoon)
  • Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Blueberries
    BANANA PANCAKE MIX
    BANANA PANCAKE MIX

    I was happy.

 

POTASSIUM/FIBER MINGLE WITH HEART-HEALTHY OATS

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I can never grow tired of my old-fashioned oats. It’s one of my favorites to jump-start my day. I combined milk and water and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon and slowly brought oatmeal to a simmer under low heat.

After it reached a thick consistency, I sweetened with a little brown sugar. Topped off my oatmeal with some sweet/tart blueberries which are packed with amazing fibers and antioxidants they say. Also, I had to get those potassium-filled sliced bananas. They brought such balance to my satisfying dish. With a little added sprinkle of cinnamon on top, my heart-healthy dish was done.

I was super-happy and satiated.

POTASSIUM-FILLED BREAKFAST #RIPE BANANA PANCAKES

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It’s that time of the year. A time when dark clouds gather and the temperatures plummet and fewer life-forms in sight. I needed to perk my spirits and start my day just right. It didn’t take me long to grasp a little control.

First, I did a few much-needed  pivotal moves to garner some happy hormones within.

A DOWNWARD DOG MOVE WITH LEG UP
A DOWNWARD DOG MOVE WITH LEG UP
ATTEMPTING A PLANK
ATTEMPTING A PLANK

Then, it was time to seek out something comforting to warm my spirits and my stomach. I reached for a couple wilted/speckled ripe bananas. Pancakes came to mind. So, I used my fork to smash those potassium-filled foods and transformed them into a batter.

All a needed were a beaten egg, a splash of vanilla, a generous sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered ginger, a pinch of salt, a pat of melted butter, a drizzle of oil, and a sprinkle of  whole-wheat flour. And I could help myself; it was breakfast, so I added a little old-fashioned oats for added fiber.

With a splash of milk I combined all ingredients in a bowl in a lumpy and imperfect batter. Lumpy is good because I didn’t wish to over-mix my batter.

BATTER FOR RIPE BANANA PANCAKES
BATTER FOR RIPE BANANA PANCAKES

In a hot and sturdy skillet, I made my cakes. I served them with fresh strawberries I had on hand. I devoured my pancakes and watched the sun peaked out just in time. I was on cloud-nine.

A JOYFUL MORNING JOLT! #OATMEAL AND FRUITS

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You may call me a repeat ‘offender’ if you wish. But, it was with a merry heart that I chose to revisit one of my favorite morning cereals. One of the great things about oatmeal is that it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other cereals. Most importantly, it’s loaded with heart-healthy whole grain properties that will provide sustenance for an extended period of time.

So, it was without hesitation that I grabbed my stockpot and added the following:

  • oatmeal – 1/4 cup
  • cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
  • raisins – 10
  • vanilla – 1/2 tsp
  • milk – 1 cup
  • dark sugar – 1 tsp

All ingredients were slowly simmered on low heat and brought to a thick consistency. Oatmeal was sweetened with a teaspoon of dark sugar. Cereal was paired and topped with fresh strawberries and a potassium-filled serving of ripe bananas. A generous amount of cinnamon was sprinkled on same.

Cheers to my heart!

FRUIT SALAD PLATE AND A MELON SHOT TO START MY DAY

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Over the week-end, I took time out to celebrate the milestones in two of my friends’ lives. And with any celebration, we can’t help it, we often go a tad overboard. And, that’s what occurred over the week-end. I indulged in some amazing dishes that were appealing to my palate and I. Also, I had quite a few cocktails that sent me ‘over the moon’ and back. Note to self, “don’t mix my drinks!”. Oh, I was super happy.

Well guys, I’m back to “justmeandmypot”, where I try to keep a balance. And today, I’ve decided to bring some redemption to yours truly. As a result, I made a refreshing cocktail consisting of watermelon, ginger root and lemon. I’ve also created an assorted fruit salad to provide the beneficial fibers, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that my dear body needs.

Guys, my colon and entire body will be singing a redemption song throughout the day.

HOW TO GAIN MORE SHELF-LIFE FROM YOUR RIPE BANANAS

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We all watch it happens gradually before our eyes. We bring them home and place them on our counters, hoping to indulge in their sweet and potassium goodness whenever we desire. But,  slowly they become a science project. It’s the metamorphosis of our firm, yellow ripe bananas. By the way, the over-ripened ones are excellent in smoothies, pancakes and fritters.

You see, this transformation of ripe bananas often happens during the warmer months of the year (spring/summer). And, if you reside in South Florida, USA where I am, you know that although it’s spring on the calendar the temperatures are heading for the nineties today. And, that’s brutal for these ripe bananas.

However, there’s a way to lengthen the shelf life of these potassium-rich fruits. Once I spot a speckle or two, I immediately grab a zip lock bag or any plastic bag and place bananas within. Bag is placed in refrigerator where the cooling will stop the ripening process of bananas. It works A1 all the time. Yippee!!

IT WAS A HEART-HEATHLY MORN FOR YOURS TRULY ##OATMEAL/FLAXSEED/STRAWBERRIES

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The humidity on the outskirts reminds me that summer is at my back door. So, in anticipation of the lazy days of summer, I’ve prepared something heart-healthy for breakfast.Studies have shown that a diet that involves whole grains like oatmeal and flax seeds helps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, it aids in weight management. So, with that said, in a stock pot I added a few tablespoons of old-fashioned oatmeal along with a few raisins to some whole milk. A sprinkle of cinnamon was also added.

After oatmeal simmered on low to medium heat, I sweetened with a teaspoon of brown sugar. I topped my oatmeal with a generous sprinkle of powered flax seeds/cinnamon and garnished with fresh ripe bananas and slices of strawberries. The great thing about my warm cereal is that I didn’t have to add much sugar as the fresh fruits and raisins provided the extra sugar content.

Guys, I know that I’ll be satiated for sometime. I’m happy.