6 Ways to Use Up Ripe Bananas

Are you ever faced with a bunch of bananas that is getting darker by the minute? 

Me either (wink, wink).

I do not like waste and especially hate to throw away food. If I see that we are getting bored with some type of food (meaning there is spoilage) I stop buying it for a while or get half of what I normally would.

My black bananas dilemma was actually solved by freezing them. It only takes a minute to slice and pack them for freezing.

Place your slices in a single layer to prevent from getting stuck together. Once frozen you can move them to a container.

Frozen bananas are wonderful in shakes as they add super creamy texture. Try them in Pumpkin Spice Shake , Chocolate and Mango or Pineapple-Ginger   smoothies.

Make instant ice cream. I especially like to make 

Raspberry and Spicy Chocolate Ice Cream

1 cup sliced frozen bananas (1 large banana)

½ cup raspberries

¼ tsp. vanilla extract

½ tsp. maple syrup

2 tbsp. Greek yogurt or milk. You can use water if want to avoid dairy.

1 tsp. spicy chocolate shavings to sprinkle I use Mayan Hot Chocolate Mix from SOMA)

Place all the ingredients in the blender. Mix until smooth. Transfer mixture to container and freeze for 3 hours or enjoy right away. Do not forget to sprinkle with spicy chocolate shavings.

Freezing bananas allow for a later use but fresh ones are great in banana bread or breakfast muffins. So if you see that blackening mound and have 10 min try making the bread. Muffins take a little longer but are easier to eat on the go.

Banana Blueberry and Walnut Muffins

Makes: 12 muffins     Prep Time: 15 min    Total time: 35 min

Preheat oven to 375 F (190C)

1 ½ cup fresh bananas (2 small bananas)

1 egg

1/3 cup Greek yogurt

2 tbsp. coconut oil

1/3 cup brown sugar

¼ cup maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

Place all of above ingredients in a bowl and mush with a fork.

¼ tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. baking soda

1 ½ cup unbleached flour

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.

½ cup walnuts chopped

½ cup wild blueberries – fresh or frozen. Frozen ones require longer baking time.

Mix together wet and dry ingredients, just to combine. Fold in blueberries and walnuts.

Line muffin pan with baking liners. Fill to about ¾ and bake for 20 min. or until inserted toothpick comes out dry.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and finish cooling on the rack.

If you would like to make other things using bananas try making Banana Pancakes, Banana Fritters or Oatmeal Cookies.

I would like to know how you use quickly ripening bananas.