RECIPE

Nutrition Facts Per Serving Energy 116 kcal 5% Protein 2.81 g 5% Total lipid (fat) 2.98g 6% Carbohydrate 21.31 g

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BANANAS

By Amber Marie Arevalos

Simple desserts are the best kind of desserts. This recipe is minimally processed and healthy. It's kid-friendly and can be created in a variety of ways, so get creative and make different types of this great recipe.

Bananas are an excellent food that can be taken for a quick snack on the road and usually upholds well in a lunch. They create little to no mess and provide vitamin C, B and potassium. There is also a good dose of manganese and fiber. They are known for their blood sugar regulation and have even been linked to weight loss.

Nut butters are a great way to get rich, beneficial fats in your diet. It contains vitamins, minerals, fiber, and in two tablespoons of peanut butter, you can get up to 8g of protein. The amount of fiber helps to keep us regular and also keeps our gut in check. It will help us stay full, and as with bananas, helps regulate blood sugar.

INGREDIENTS — 4 large bananas — 1/3 cup peanut butter — 1/2 cup melted chocolate — 1/2 cup crushed peanuts or nut of choice — 12 wooden skewers or lollipop sticks

DIRECTIONS  Slice bananas into slices about 1 inch thick.  Spread peanut butter onto a slice and sandwich two slices together.  Stick one wooden stick in each sandwiched banana.  Place on wax paper on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid, at least an hour.  Melt chocolate in microwave* and remove frozen banana bites from freezer.  Dip each banana pop in chocolate, roll in peanuts if desired and place back on wax paper. Freeze for another hour.  Transfer and keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. * Melting chocolate in a microwave–use 50 percent power and stir every 30 seconds until completely melted. ■