Best ever banana bread

Banana Walnut Bread

When we were young my mom would always have banana bread on hand.  I don't know how she did it or when she had the time but somehow there was always banana bread in the house.  My favorite way to eat it was for breakfast.  I take a slice and put it in a bowl and drench it in milk.  Then I would break into small pieces and eat it with a spoon like cereal.

Banana bread reminds me of comfort and warmth.  I almost get excited when I see the bananas are getting brown in the fruit basket because no one has eaten them.  This recipe allows you to make the bread and freeze for up to two months!  Just warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds and it's amazing.  It is really moist and the walnuts give it a good textural contrast.  The trick is to stop at just one slice.

Banana Walnut Bread Recipe
Adapted from Food and Wine Magazine

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar
2 large, very ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter and flour a 9-by-5-inch metal loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk the 1 1/4 cups of flour with the baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the oil, sugar and mashed bananas. Stir the banana mixture into the dry ingredients.  Fold in the walnuts.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the center of the oven for about 50 minutes, until the bread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and let cool for 15 minutes, then turn the bread out onto the rack and let cool completely. Cut into slices and serve.

b&w angel food cake

Black and White Angel Food Cake

Let's face it, angel food cake can be a little boring.  But grate some chocolate and pour some more over the top and you got the best angel food cake ever!  It's still light and airy but with a little bitter chocolate.  Add some fresh berries for a perfect pairing.

Therapeutic topic for the week:  

Can Your Diet Make You Feel Depressed?

I am often asked whether eating particular foods can enhance mood and treat the symptoms of depression. With very few exceptions, the answer is no. In contrast, our mood can be easily depressed by our diet. Why? For adults, the brain responds primarily to deficits, not surpluses, in the diet.

For example, scientists once thought that drinking a glass of warm milk before bed or eating a large meal of protein made us drowsy because of tryptophan loading – the current evidence does not support this explanation but the claim makes an important point: we must get enough of any particular nutrient into our brain in order for us to notice any effects. Unfortunately, tryptophan has difficulty getting into our brain, particularly when consumed within the context of a large variety of other amino acids, i.e. meat.

So, what’s the scientific evidence for considering the cognitive effects of these foods? Mostly, it’s related to what happens when we do not get enough of them. For example, studies have shown that consuming too little tryptophan makes us depressed and angry; historians now blame low tryptophan diets for multiple wars and acts of cannibalism. Too little water-soluble vitamins (the B’s and C) in the diet will induce changes in brain function that we will begin to notice after a few weeks of deprivation. Many authors naively jump to the conclusion that giving high doses of such nutrients will rapidly improve our mood or thinking: sadly, this is rarely the case.

Can dietary supplements increase brain tryptophan levels and improve mood? The answer is no. There is no evidence for improving mood through dietary manipulation of tryptophan primarily because it is difficult to change plasma tryptophan levels through diet alone. Tryptophan supplementation and depletion studies suggest that altering tryptophan levels may only affect certain groups of patients who have a personal or family history of depression. Popular media articles often recommend diets and foods to increase blood tryptophan levels and raise brain serotonin levels. Such recommendations, while superficially appealing, are misleading and not supported by any current scientific studies.

The production of serotonin requires the absorption of the amino acid tryptophan from your food. Transport of this amino acid is influenced by the level of other amino acids in your blood; that level, in turn, is also influenced by what you eat. Within the neurons of your brain, tryptophan is converted to 5-hydroxy-tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase, an enzyme that is usually not saturated with substrate. Therefore, if you eat less tryptophan, your brain generally produces less serotonin. Conversely, providing additional tryptophan in the diet may lead to increased production of serotonin within neurons. It is worth noting, however, that simply producing more serotonin does not guarantee that the neuron will actually release it. If too much serotonin is produced inside the brain, then the excess is simply discarded. Studies have shown that depletion of this amino acid in the diet can negatively influence serotonin-controlled brain processes such as mood and sleep.

A recent study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology (2014, v. 39) investigated whether it was possible to deplete the brain’s reward chemical dopamine in humans by restricting access to the amino acid tyrosine that is required for its synthesis by the brain. Within a few hours the subjects showed a blunted reaction by their brain’s dopamine centers in response to a monetary reward. Overall, their mood was also slightly depressed. Fortunately, the effects of this experimental diet were temporary because the subjects were young and the brain was able to compensate quickly.

The overall lesson here is that if you’re feeling down, it might be your diet. However, do not expect your diet to make you feel happy; most often, a good diet will only prevent you from feeling depressed.

Written by Gary L. Wenk, Ph.D., author of Your Brain on Food (Oxford Univ Press)

Reposted from Psychology Today Magazine

Black and White Angel Food Cake Recipe
Adapted from Ina Garten


Ingredients

For the cake:
2 cups sifted sugar
1 1/3 cups sifted cake flour
1 1/2 cups egg whites at room temperature (10 to 12 eggs)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup coarsely grated semisweet chocolate

For the glaze:
4oz semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup heavy cream

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine 1/2 cup of the sugar with the flour and sift them together. Set aside.

Place the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on high speed until the eggs form medium-firm peaks, about 1 minute. With the mixer on medium speed, add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of sugar by sprinkling it over the beaten egg whites. Beat on high speed for a few minutes until thick and shiny. Add the vanilla and continue to whisk until very thick, about 1 more minute. Scrape the beaten egg whites into a large bowl. Sift 1/4 of the flour mixture over the egg whites and fold it very carefully into the batter with a rubber spatula. Continue adding the flour in 3 equal additions, sifting and folding until it's all incorporated. Fold in the grated chocolate.

Pour the batter into an greased 10-inch bundt pan, smooth the top, and bake it for 35 to 45 minutes, until it springs back to the touch. Remove the cake from the oven and invert the pan on a cooling rack. When cool, run a thin, flexible knife around the cake to remove it from the pan.

For the chocolate glaze, place the chocolate chips and the heavy cream in a heat-proof bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate melts. Pour the chocolate over the top of the cooled cake to cover the top completely and allow it to drizzle down the sides. If you have chocolate glaze left over, you can serve it on the side with the cake.

Biscoff Swirl Pound Cake

Biscoff Swirl Pound Cake

This amazing recipe gives you a moist pound cake with the crunchy cookie topping.  So delicious!  

If you can't find the Biscoff brand spread you can buy the crunchy speculoos kind instead.  The trick here is using the best quality ingredients.  Fresh organic eggs and European butter are the key to making this pound cake perfect.

Biscoff Swirl Pound Cake Recipe
Adapted from Food and Wine Magazine

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
One 13-ounce jar Biscoff Spread

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°. Lightly grease and flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour. In a glass measuring cup, lightly beat the eggs with the vanilla. In a medium bowl, whisk the 1 1/2 cups of flour with the baking powder and salt.

In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter with the sugar at medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.

 With the mixer at medium-low speed, gradually beat in the egg mixture until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture in 3 batches, beating at low speed between additions until just incorporated. Continue to beat for 30 seconds longer.

Spread half of the batter in the prepared pan, mix the Biscoff spread into the remaining half. Top with the remaining batter. Lightly swirl the spread into the batter with a butter knife. Do not overmix.

Bake the cake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. 

Invert the cake onto a wire rack, turn it right side up and let cool completely, about 2 hours. 

Cut the cake into slices and serve.

Cornflakes, Marshmallows and Chocolate? Oh my!

Momofuku's Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies

If you visit New York you must go to Momofuku Milk Bar in any of their convenient five locations. The desserts are so inventive and unique...not to mention addicting.  I mean who puts cornflakes in cookies?  Well, Christina Tosi, the pastry chef at Momofuku does.  Her brilliant combinations and outrageous ingredient choices are what keeps people coming back for more.  This cookie had me second guessing whether it would actually taste good.  Believe it or not, everyone who I have served it to has said this was the best cookie they had ever eaten.  The caramel notes from the melted marshmallows combined with the addictive crunch of cornflakes makes this cookie a joke to just eat one. I know it sounds wacky but give this recipe a try and you will not be sorry.  Well, maybe your waistline will.  My adaptations are adding coconut milk powder instead of regular milk powder adding another depth of flavor.

Therapeutic topic for the week:  Superfood for the brain?
There are some foods that may help give you that little boost in the day or help prevent age related cognitive decline.  These include but are not limited to walnuts, olive oil, berries, sardines, coffee, spinach, dark chocolate, avocado, water, wheat germ, beets and garlic.  I remember my parents telling me to have almonds every morning to improve cognitive functioning as well.  Have any of these or other foods helped give you a boost?  Comment below!  

Momofuku's Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookie Recipe
Adapted from Christina Tosi

Ingredients

For the Cornflake Crunch:
5 cups cornflakes
1/2 cup coconut milk powder
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cookies:
2 sticks unsalted butter
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7 1/2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups Cornflake Crunch
2/3 cup chocolate chips
1 1/4 cup mini marshmallows

Directions

To make the Cornflake Crunch: Preheat oven to 275°F. In a medium bowl, add the cornflakes (use your hands to crush them to about a quarter of their size), milk powder, sugar, and salt. Toss together. Pour the butter over the mixture and gently mix it together. Spread the mixture onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes. They will be toasted and smell wonderful when done. Remove from oven and let cool. Store extras in an airtight container.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside. In a small bowl, gently mix the egg and vanilla together. Set aside.

In a bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. Add the egg mixture, and continue to beat for about 6-7 minutes. Scraping down the bowl, as necessary.

Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. Fold in the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and cornflake crunch using a rubber spatula.

Form into cookies using a 1/3 measuring cup. Flatten the tops a bit, with your fingers. Place on a large parchment lined cookie sheet and refrigerate or freeze for at least one hour before baking. Place extras in a large plastic bag and leave in the freezer until ready to use. Do not thaw before baking.

When ready to bake the cookies, preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the chilled or frozen cookies at least 4 inches apart from each other (they spread quite a bit). Bake for about 18 minutes or until they are puffed and the edges are a deep golden brown. More or less time depending upon if using chilled or frozen dough. Be attentive! Remove from oven and let cool for a couple of minutes on the cookie sheet before placing on a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container for a few days.

Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake

Pumpkin Maple Pecan Cheesecake

Instead of having pie over your holiday season try cheesecake!  It's super fluffy, velvety and luscious with that pumpkin spice flavor you just can't miss.  Not too sweet and topped with a maple glaze that will have you singing for the holidays.  Grab a slice or two and bring to share with friends and family.

Tip: this cheesecake is so fluffy that it must stay in the fridge overnight.  I only let it set for six hours and it was a little crumbly after slicing into it.  But it still tasted delicious! 

Pumpkin Maple Pecan Cheesecake Recipe

Adapted from Anne Thornton

Ingredients

Cheesecake:
10 cinnamon graham crackers, finely ground (1 1/3 cups crumbs)
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Maple Pecan Glaze:
1 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
3/4 cup pecan pieces

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

For the crust: Here's a super-easy no-fuss way to make this crust. Break the graham crackers into a food processor with the sugar. Pulse until the crumbs resemble fine meal. Pour the crumbs into a 9-inch springform pan. Pour the melted butter over the mixture, bring together with your fingers and press into the bottom of the pan.

For the cheesecake: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on high speed until fluffy. Reduce the speed and, with the mixer running, add the eggs. Increase the speed to incorporate the eggs. Add in the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk and maple syrup. Next, add in the cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Beat the mixture for awhile; this will make the cheesecake light and fluffy. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared crust. Tap the pan lightly on the work surface to remove any air pockets.

Bake until the center appears nearly set, but jiggles a little when shaken, 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool for 1 hour. Cover and chill overnight.

For the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Boil until slightly thickened, 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the pecan pieces. Cover and chill. Stir together before serving.

To serve: Spoon the maple pecan glaze over the cheesecake.

Homemade Pop Tarts

Mango Cream Cheese Pop Tarts

These fun pop tarts are like childhood baked into a pastry -- with a grown up twist.  Flaky buttery pastry combined with fruity mango and cream cheese.  These are what pop tarts are suppose to taste like!  Make them for a crowd or keep them in the fridge and reheat in the toaster oven when you need a breakfast on the go.  They're delicious and you know what's in them because you made them!

Therapeutic topic of the week: Why do we crave specific foods?

Studies show that thinking about certain foods can make cravings.  This type of imagination or mental imagery takes up brain power.  You can even be using so much brain power that it can get in the way of you completing a task, making you think: "I have to eat that food".  You can use this same concept the other way as well.  Use a cognitive task to distract you long enough from craving food.  This sometimes happens when you are really busy (or a mom!) and "forget" to eat.

E. Kemps, M. Tiggemann. A Cognitive Experimental Approach to Understanding and Reducing Food Cravings. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2010; 19 (2): 86 DOI: 10.1177/0963721410364494

Mango Cream Cheese Pop Tarts Recipe
Adapted from Tasting Table

INGREDIENTS
Dough
1½ sticks unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tablespoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese

Fruit filling
1 to 2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups canned mango pulp

Sugar Glaze
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons mango pulp
1 tablespoons water
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the dough: In a standing mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the flour and buttermilk into the butter mixture, alternating mixtures until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two balls and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

2. Place the cream cheese between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and roll into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Place on a sheet pan and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

3. Make the fruit filling: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey and the cornstarch. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the mango pulp and cornstarch mixture and cook until the fruit comes to a simmer. Lower the heat and cook until it thickens stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Taste for sweetness and add more honey as needed. Remove the filling from the saucepan and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

4. To assemble: Remove one dough ball from the refrigerator and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll out to a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Cut the dough into eight 4-inch-by-3-inch rectangles, rerolling the dough if necessary. Place the rectangles on a parchment-paper-lined sheet pan and chill in the refrigerator. Roll out the second ball of dough and cut into slightly larger rectangles. Place the rectangles on a second parchment-paper-lined sheet pan and chill in the refrigerator.

5. Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and cut into 2-inch-by-3-inch rectangles. Remove the first set of rectangles from the refrigerator and carefully top each with a cream-cheese rectangle and a tablespoon of the reserved mango filling, leaving a ½-inch border.

6. Use a dab of water to slightly dampen the edge of the dough. Remove the second set of dough from the refrigerator and top the first set of rectangles and fruit with the dough. Seal with a pastry cutter or use a fork dipped in flour to finish the seal. Trim the edges of the dough slightly as needed and chill the pop tarts in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

7. Preheat the oven to 325°. Place the pop tarts in the oven and bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.

8. Make the sugar glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, pulp, water and vanilla extract. Whisk in the food coloring if using. Cool the pop tarts on a cooling rack, drizzle with the sugar glaze and serve.