Strawberry Banana Smoothie

I've been on a bit of a health kick lately. I've been trying to get back in shape and get my nutrition in check. One of the my main problems is I don't get enough fruits and vegetables. I've tried several smoothie recipes lately. Some good and some that tasted like grass! I finally decided to start making them to my liking. I figured if I want to get healthy, I need to enjoy the ingredients I use! I started out by making one with my two favorites: strawberries and bananas, and have slowly come up with other variations. This smoothie works great for a pre-workout meal, snack or breakfast on the go. Here is my recipe for my favorite smoothie:

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

5-6 frozen or fresh strawberries

3/4 cup cold milk

2 teaspoons sugar 

1 tablespoon flaxseed

5-6 ice cubes

Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. About two minutes. If the smoothie is too thick just add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time until smooth consistency. Pour into a glass, add a straw and enjoy! 

Banana-Berry Version: Make as above but add blackberries and blueberries for an added berry punch! 

Banana Bread

One of my favorite ways to use up ripe bananas is to make homemade banana bread. This is my grandmother's recipe that has been a tried-and-true staple in my house. It makes for a delicious snack or quick breakfast.


Banana Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted better
2 eggs, beaten
3 ripe bananas
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or nut of choice


Sift dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mash bananas until smooth and creamy. Mix in melted butter and eggs. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry. Be careful not to over mix or the bread will be tough.  Pour mixture in a greased loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at  350 degree oven for 1 hour or until the loaf is golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack and then wrap in foil. 
Enjoy!
*Note: My Grandmother's original recipe called for 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. My husband has a nut allergy so I omit nuts from all my recipes.