Oatmeal Banana Walnut Bread - Low Fat

The key to this recipe is the molasses. A vanilla flavored oatmeal packet takes the place of vanilla extract although extract can used. Applesauce significantly reduces the fat. The oatmeal packet really drives home the fiber and makes it a bit different then most breakfast breads. Feel free to experiment.

• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1 package vanilla dry oatmeal packet
  
• 2/3 cup oats
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup dark molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 4 mashed ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup applesauce

Directions

Set oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan.
In a bowl sift together white and whole wheat flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

In another bowl beat the butter with sugar and molasses for about 2 minutes.

Add in eggs, beat until combined.

Add in bananas and applesauce ; beat until blended.

Add in the flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moistened.

Spoon the batter into prepared baking pan.

Bake for about 1 hour, or until bread tests done.

Cool for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serves 8.

Enjoy!

Homemade Snackfast Granola

Well, if we can take Breakfast and Lunch to make Brunch then we can take a healthy anytime snack that is traditionally eaten as breakfast and call it - Snackfast Granola. Other items can be entered into the Snackfast category but here is the inaugural Snackfast Recipe. Feel free to a add/delete nuts and dried fruits based on what it's the house but the molasses is really worth it for the rich, satisfying taste and it's really good for you too.

Homemade Snackfast Granola

3 cups oats
3 T blackstrap molasses
1/8 cup raw sugar
1/8 cup canola oil
2 T Light Brown Sugar
1/8 cup water
1 T cinnamon
1/8 cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds
1/4 cup raw unsalted chopped almonds

1 T sesame seeds
1.5 T flaxseeds
4 T Dried Apricots or Apples
2 T. Dried Cranberries

Directions

Mix oil, sugar, molasses, cinnamon, and water in a bowl. Add oats, sunflower seeds and almonds and mix well.
Spread on baking sheet and bake at 250 for 75 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so.
When it's done baking, add flaxseeds, sesame seeds and dried fruits.
Allow to cool before placing in resealable container. This granola is fairly low in fat, and it doesn't stick together in large clusters.
Eat dry as a snack or add soy milk for breakfast.

8 Servings