Banana Muffins with Pecans and Dates

I love these. They are made from wholemeal flour (also known as whole wheat flour) and are packed full of goodness. This makes 10-12 muffins depending on your muffin tray.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups wholemeal flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup olive spread, melted
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 very ripe bananas, peeled 
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup chopped, pitted dates

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees celsius
2. Spray your muffin tray with spray oil
3. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and drop in the eggs, butter, and syrup. Mix with a fork until it just comes together and set aside. The mixture will look quite moist but don't panic.
4. In a small bowl mash the banana with the back of a fork
5. Carefully fold the banana, pecans and dates into the muffin batter and distribute evenly into a 12 cup muffin tray leaving room at the top for expansion
6. Place leftover pecans on top of each muffin
7. Bake until they begin to brown on top and a toothpick comes clean when inserted in the centre, about 12-15

Note: Freeze some in pres-seal bags for the week :)

D-E-L-icious  XD

Granola Bars

Miss 16 made these Granola bars last week. They are amazing. I think it's the peanut butter which makes them special. They are easy and only have 5 ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed dates, pitted 
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Method:

1. Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain. Or alternatively cut them really fine. It should form a “dough” like consistency
2. Optional step: Toast your oats in a 185 celsius degree oven for 15ish minutes or until slightly golden brown. Otherwise, leave them raw
3. Place oats, almonds and dates in a bowl – set aside
4. Warm honey and peanut butter in the microwave for 45-60 seconds - watch it doesn't get too runny - and stir it half way
5. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout
6. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer into a square cake pan lined with baking paper so they lift out easily
7. Press down until uniformly flattened and let set in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.
8. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. D-E-L-icious  XD

Chocolate, Almond & Date Balls

My daughter made these as a healthy treat alternative on the weekend and they are AMAZE BALLS! One is not enough so make sure you make enough to feed an army. This recipe makes about 20 balls.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole raw almonds
• 3 cups pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• § pinch grown cinnamon
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 200g shredded coconut

Method:

1. Grind almonds in a food processor until finely chopped (not too small)
2. Add dates, honey, cocoa, oats, peanut butter and cinnamon then pulse until combined
3. Add the hot water and pulse again. Your mixture should develop into a thick, sticky paste
4. Use your hands to roll the mixture into approximately 20 balls
5. Lightly coat the balls in coconut
6. Chill in the fridge for about 30mins before eating.
7. Tip: To keep fresh, store in a container in the fridge for up to two weeks - but they won't last that long! D-E-L-icious XD

Date, Sultana & Ginger Loaf

If you like ginger and/or fruit cake, this is a winner. If you use these quantities, the cake makes 8 pieces which will seem not quite enough ;) You will need to soak overnight so be prepared.

Ingredients:

• 280g dates, chopped
• 80g sultanas
• 2tsp instant coffee
• 1tbs freshly grated or minced ginger
• 1/2 cup self-raising white flour
• 1/2 cup self-raising wholemeal flour.

Method:

1. Add coffee to 1 cup (250ml) of boiling water and stir until coffee dissolves
2. Pour over dates and sultanas and soak overnight
3. Stir in flour. If it’s a bit dry, add a teaspoon or 2 of hot water, but it is meant to be firm so only add enough to make it easier to mix
4. Pour the whole mixture into a paper lined loaf tin
5. Bake in a pre-heated 160 degrees celsius oven for 45 minutes.

As my Dad says, "Bloody beautiful"  XD