Banana 'Sushi' with Peanut Butter, Walnuts and Dark Chocolate
I think few things go together more perfectly than banana and peanut butter. Except maybe banana, peanut butter and chocolate - and this snack contains all three! This simple, easy-to-make recipe will get your kids involved in the kitchen - or just bring out the kid in you! No oven, no stove required and minimal clean- up, so that you can spend more time enjoying this snack - and time with your family. This snack also doubles (or triples?) as a great post-workout bite and a fun idea for dessert when entertaining, plus it contains carbohydrates, protein and fat for a balanced snack that will keep you energized.
Ingredients (serves 2):
1 large banana
1 1/2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter (the only ingredients should be peanuts and possibly salt - I like Crazy Richards, Smucker's Naturals and Trader Joe's Stir Creamy Peanut Butter)
1/8 C crushed walnuts, raw, unsalted (I like to buy walnut halves and pieces and place them in a bag, then use my fist to break up the walnuts into tiny, crushed pieces)
1/2 oz dark chocolate, cut into small pieces
Directions:
1. Peel banana and discard peel. Place banana on plate with the bottom tip leaning on the plate and hold the top of the banana with one hand.
2. Use a knife (it does not need to be sharp - a butter knife or a plastic knife works well) to coat the banana evenly with peanut butter, from top to bottom and around the entire surface. Then, lower the banana so it is laying on the plate.
3. Sprinkle crushed walnuts and dark chocolate pieces over the exposed side of the banana, from top to bottom.
4. Use a clean knife (again, it can be a plastic knife or a butter knife) to slice the banana into slices approximately 1/2-inch thick. Enjoy!
*If making this snack with children, all children should be supervised. You may opt to take over during the steps when a knife is involved.
Of course, there are so many fun variations of this snack, which can also make it suitable for various dietary restrictions. This snack also works with with sunflower butter, almond butter, cashew butter, seeds in place of nuts, no chocolate, or simply dusting unsweetened cocoa powder over the banana and serving in a similar way. What's your favorite way to snack on a banana? I would love to hear your thoughts and have you share in the comments!
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (1 serving = 1/2 banana with toppings listed above)
Calories 229 calories, Total Fat 14 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrates 22 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 5 g, Sodium 42 mg, Calcium 16 mg
*Please Note: While this dish is free from gluten-containing ingredients, I recommend using certified gluten free products if you need to avoid potential sources of cross contamination, as in the case of celiac disease.
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