Thick slices of banana bread that you can buy in cafes is very high in fat and is more like cake than bread; this is a better alternative for you to have at home or as a snack. It's lower in fat which means it’s a good option to have closer to training for additional carbohydrates. If you are having as a post-training option the honey ricotta is a tasty high protein condiment for a balanced snack.

Makes 20 small or 10 large slices

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Self-Raising flour

• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 80g walnuts, coarsely chopped

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 2 eggs lightly whisked

• 1 cup low fat milk

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• 1 cup mashed banana – you will need about 2 large bananas

Honey Ricotta

• 200g Fresh low fat ricotta

• 1tsp Honey

• 1⁄2 tsp Cinnamon

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line the base and sides of a 6cm-deep, 20 x 10cm loaf pan with non-stick baking paper and spray with cooking oil.

2. Sift the flour into a large bowl. Add the sugar, walnuts and bicarbonate of soda, and stir until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, mash the banana and add the eggs, milk and vanilla and lightly whisk.

4. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir until just combined – don’t over stir

5. Spoon the mixture into the lined pan. Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes or until brown and crispy on top or a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

6. Leave to cool for 10 min before removing from pan cool completely. Cut into slices to serve or freeze slices to have as needed.

7. In a small bowl combine ricotta with honey and cinnamon, spread on bread with extra sliced banana and a drizzle of honey to serve.

VARIATION

You can omit the walnuts or use pecans. Try adding some sultanas or dried dates, or if you want a bit of a treat 1⁄2 cup dark chocolate-chip pieces.

NOTE

• Including the ricotta isn’t essential but does help add some protein to make it a good snack.

• Slice the banana bread, wrap individually and freeze so there is something to call on as a snack and to keep fresh, take with you in the morning and it will be defrosted by mid-morning.