This holiday season, as you search for the “perfect gift,” remember that active people welcome gifts of good health— such as a loaf of banana bread warm from the oven!

Here’s a popular recipe from my new Sports Nutrition Guidebook (2008) -- a welcome gift in itself!

Banana Bread

This is an all-time favorite banana bread recipe. Its key to success is using well-ripened bananas that are covered with brown speckles. Especially yummy for a pre-exercise snack.

3 large well-ripened bananas                   1 teaspoon salt

1 egg or 2 egg whites                        1 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons oil, preferably canola         1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/3 cup milk                                   1 1/2 cups flour, preferably

1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar                                              half whole-wheat, half white

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Mash bananas with a fork. Add egg, oil, milk, sugar. Beat well.

3. Gently mix in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

     Stir just until moistened.

4. Pour into a 4” x 8” loaf pan that has been lightly oiled, treated

    with cooking spray, or lined with wax paper. Bake 45 minutes,

    or until a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out clean.

5. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Yield: 12 slices    Total calories: 1,600

135 calories per slice; 24 g Carb; 3 g Protein; 3 g Fat

For more ideas for recipes and nutrition books,[click here!|http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/Healthy__Holiday_Nutri-Gifts.htm]

Happy holidays,

Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD