We go bananas for bananas at our house. Not only are they inexpensive, which I like, but they are tasty and filling. We always have a bunch of bananas sitting on the counter.
Bananas are a super healthy snack on their own. Because they are an excellent source of potassium, they help prevent muscle cramps. They are also a good source of fiber.
Plus, have you ever noticed that you’re just a bit happier after eating a banana? I learned from Dr. Michael Cutler that bananas have dopamine in them, a brain chemical that improves attention, memory and sleep. Plus bananas also have tryptophan, which is used to make other brain chemicals that help you stay happy.
Add peanut butter to the banana, and you’ve got a protein-filled treat that keeps you from being hungry as well.
I put together this concoction recently, and it was a hit with my kids. They enjoy it as a snack or a dessert.
Honey-baked peanut butter banana
- 1 banana
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Peel the banana and slice an opening lengthwise, inserting the knife so that it cuts no more than halfway deep.
- Stuff the peanut butter into the opening, taking care not to split open the banana.
- Drizzle honey over the top of the banana and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Wrap the banana in aluminum foil and place directly on the rack in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let the banana cool for about 5 minutes or until you can handle the foil without burning yourself.
- Unwrap the banana, put it on a dish and serve.
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